New report explains how data and AI will help improve government projects

The use of data analytics and AI will enable better outcomes, efficient modern delivery and influential leadership on government projects, according to a new report published by the Infrastructure and Projects Authority (IPA).

The report, Data Analytics and AI in Government Project Delivery, sets the IPA's direction of travel to harness the benefits of project data and AI for government projects and project-focused organisations in the UK.

The report has been produced by the IPA in partnership with Association for Project Management (APM), as well as the Central Digital & Data Office (CDDO), the Major Projects Association (MPA), and the No.10 Data Science team.

In addition to providing detail around the opportunities, challenges and conditions for success associated with the future use of project data analytics and artificial intelligence to deliver government projects, the report also lists the IPA’s next steps for harnessing the benefits of AI and project data. These include:

Updating the Government Project Delivery Capability Framework, and the associated government accreditation scheme.
Developing a common set of standards and taxonomy for project data.
Building infrastructure across government project data and tools to enable greater insight, benchmarks and the ability to predict performance.
Working across government to oversee pilot schemes to innovate and experiment.
Continue working with professional bodies, academia and industry.

The report explains that delivery against these ambitions will be a collective effort led by IPA and the Projects Council, working closely with Heads of Profession across government, CDDO, 10DS and the professional bodies.

Professor Adam Boddison OBE, Chief Executive of APM, said: “The potential for AI and data analytics to improve project outcomes is clear. We’re pleased to have worked with the IPA, the CCDO and the MPA on this report, which lays out a clear framework for creating conditions that will allow innovation to thrive across government projects, while also ensuring success can be shared across the projects community.

“We hope this report will be a useful resource, not only to those working on government projects, but for all project, programme and portfolio professionals who are considering introducing these new technologies into their workflows.”

The report is available to read now.