Episode 60: Built for Digital: Episode 3

Built for Digital: Episode 3 - The uneasy dance of digital built policyIn Episode 3, we dig into the messy reality of digital policy in Australia: why political champions are rare, what Brisbane 2032 is getting wrong, and why LA 2028 might be the blueprint nobody's talking about.From procurement to the Olympics, from government delivery models to a $50M funding program with "mixed success" — this one pulls no punches.

Built for Digital – Episode 2: "AI for Real"In this episode, Adam sits down with Gavin to cut through the hype and talk about what's actually happening with AI in the built environment. Drawing on lessons from the smart cities and IoT eras, we explore the real opportunities, the pitfalls, and the practical steps organisations need to take right now.In this episode:How AI compares (and mirrors) past tech trends like smart cities and digital twinsReal AI applications in planning, asset lifecycle management and moreWhy "if data's a mess, AI will be a mess"Agile proof-of-concept vs. lengthy business cases — what actually worksGovernance, leadership and the rise of the Chief AI OfficerJob displacement vs. augmentation: what's really happening?The surprising lack of a national AI industry body in AustraliaDBF's new guidance paper for the built environment sector

In the first episode of the Built for Digital series, Adam and Gavin sit down to take an honest look back at the smart cities era — what was promised, what was funded, and what actually delivered.From Australia's $50M federal investment to smart bins, smart parking, and smart barbecues, they unpack why so many initiatives collapsed the moment the funding dried up — and why the industry keeps making the same mistakes with each new wave of technology.They also dig into:• Why most smart city pilots led nowhere• Data quality: still the #1 Achilles' heel in 2026• The AI pilot problem — innovation theatre vs. real transformation• Why org structure and C-suite leadership are the real blockersThe verdict? The tech was never the hard part. Sorting your data out — and knowing why you're doing this — still is.

2025 was a breakthrough year for Digital Built Forum—from rebranding to launching their first in-person event, the SEQ 2032 Digital Assembly, which drew 90+ industry leaders to Brisbane. Hosts Gavin and Adam reflect on their podcast series exploring asset management and agentic AI, international training across three continents, and whether we've hit the ceiling on generative AI or if real transformation is still coming.For 2026, they're going bigger: Digital Assembly expands to Melbourne in May to tackle housing, precinct and infrastructure challenges, plus deep-dive podcast series on energy, water, and transportation. They're heading Stateside do undertakr LA 28 Olympics research to gather insights for Brisbane 2032, as well as launching two communities of practice to break down industry silos. If you're navigating technology, infrastructure, and leadership in the built environment, this episode is your roadmap for the year ahead.The DBF Podcast is powered by ⁠the Digital Built Forum⁠, an education platform to help drive a digital built environment.

In this kick-off episode of the "Digital Games Dispatch" series, hosts Adam Beck and Gavin Cotterill dive into the evolving role of digital enablement in the context of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Drawing on their recent experiences and insights from past events—including the Sydney, London, Rio, Tokyo, and Paris Games—they discuss how digital and data-driven strategies have transformed everything from planning and operations to legacy and fan experience.The conversation highlights the pivotal shift seen at the Paris 2024 Games, where digital integration moved beyond infrastructure to become embedded in workflows and decision-making. Adam and Gavin explore the unique opportunities and challenges facing South East Queensland as it prepares for the 2032 Games, emphasising the importance of procurement, fan experience, operational efficiency, and, above all, strong governance and leadership. Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on how digital innovation can create lasting legacies, the critical role of government in driving intelligent digital strategies, and the vision for making Brisbane 2032 the most "visible" and transparent Games yet. The episode sets the stage for future interviews and discussions leading up to the SEQ 2032 Digital Assembly in Brisbane in November, and beyond. The DBF Podcast is powered by ⁠the Digital Built Forum⁠, an education platform to help drive a digital built environment.

Welcome to another episode of Season 6 of the Digital Built Forum podcast! In this episode. Host Adam Beck sits down with Katherine Tobias, co-founder and CEO of InsightWise. They discuss Katherine's journey from leading Smart Cities initiatives at KPMG to creating the leading platform for consultants and strategy teams globally with Insight wise. Katherine shares insights on how AI is disrupting the consulting industry, the importance of blending digital and human intelligence, and the role of specialised AI tools in enhancing strategic analysis. They also dive into the challenges and opportunities of AI adoption, the future of work, and what lies ahead for Insight wise in the next 6-12 months. Don't miss this engaging conversation on the rapid evolution of AI in the consulting world.Here's what you will find in this episode:00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:28 Katherine's Journey and Insight Wise03:04 The Evolution of AI in Consulting06:45 Challenges and Opportunities in AI Adoption11:40 Customer Insights and AI Implementation18:05 The Future of Work and AI25:43 Rapid Technological Advancements34:31 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsThe DBF Podcast is powered by ⁠the Digital Built Forum⁠, an education platform to help drive a digital built environment.

In this episode of the Digital Built Forum podcast, co-host Adam Beck sits down with Jacy Macnee, a seasoned urban planner and the planning lead for the Land IQ platform at Property and Development New South Wales. Together, they discuss the influence of artificial intelligence on urban planning, Jacy's career trajectory, and the future of planning technology. Jacy shares insights on how AI is transforming the workplace, the opportunities it creates for evidence-based planning, and the impact of maintaining an innovative mindset. Tune in for an enlightening discussion about the intersection of urban planning, technology, and AI.Here's what you will find in this episode:00:00 Welcome to the Digital Built Forum Podcast01:07 Introducing Jacy Macnee: A Planner's Journey04:05 From Policy to Tech: Jacy's Career Evolution08:42 The Impact of AI on Planning11:51 Navigating the AI Revolution in the Workplace15:48 The Future of Planning with AI21:24 Mindset Shifts and Embracing AI27:00 Reflections and Career Advice39:33 The Role of Leadership in AI Adoption43:45 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsThe DBF Podcast is powered by ⁠the Digital Built Forum⁠, an education platform to help drive a digital built environment.

Welcome to Season 6 of the DBF Podcast. Join us as we explore the future of the workplace and the role of artificial intelligence (AI).In this insightful episode, Gavin sits down with Mark Cameron, CEO and Director of Alyve, to discuss the future of the workplace with the integration of AI. Mark shares his expertise on the leadership and strategy challenges surrounding AI adoption, highlighting how treating AI as a capacity enhancer rather than just a tool for automation can lead to significant returns on investment. They discuss the evolving landscape of professional services, the potential impact of AI on consulting roles, the importance of developing an AI mindset, and how AI agents are reshaping organisational structures. Mark also offers practical advice for upskilling and adapting to these technological shifts, making it a must-listen for professionals at any career stage.Here's what you will find in this episode:00:00 Introduction01:08 The Future of Work with AI01:29 Challenges in AI Adoption05:13 AI in Professional Services11:51 AI Agents and Their Impact14:57 Validating AI Outputs20:24 AI's Role in Organisational Models23:09 Risks and Concerns with AI30:39 Upskilling for the AI Era36:45 Future Predictions and ConclusionThe DBF Podcast is powered by ⁠the Digital Built Forum⁠, an education platform to help drive a digital built environment.

In this final episode of Season 5 of the Digital Built Australia Podcast, hosts Adam Beck and Gavin Cotterill chat with Tom Kurtz, Vice President for EAM Portfolio Strategy and Enablement at Hexagon Asset Lifecycle Intelligence. With over 30 years of experience in asset management, Tomprovides insights into creating a future-ready asset management strategy, the intersection of sustainability and asset management, and the role of data and technology in enhancing operational efficiencies. The discussion also covers the challenges and opportunitiesof digital transformation in asset management, the impact of regulatory compliance on data management, and practical examples of economic and sustainability returns from digital asset management initiatives. Learn valuable tips for navigating a successful digital asset management strategy and understand how to align business drivers with technology goals.Here's what you'll find in this episode:00:00 Introduction to the DBA Podcast00:40 Meet Tom Kurtz: A Veteran in Asset Management02:35 Discussing Future-Ready Asset Management Strategies03:22 The Role of Sustainability in Asset Management09:41 Strategic vs. Technical Approaches in Digital Initiatives15:06 The Importance of Data in Asset Management22:31 Technological Tools and Innovations in AssetManagement23:30 Exploring Digital Twin and Asset Management24:48 Economic and Sustainability Impacts of IoT and DigitalTwin29:45 Cynicism vs Optimism in Technology Adoption37:27 Asset Management for Brisbane 2032 Olympics43:35 Key Advice for Digital Asset Management Strategy46:08 Conclusion and Podcast Wrap-UpThe DBA Podcast is powered by ⁠TEMPO Institute⁠, an education platform to help drive a digital built environment.Season 5 of the DBA podcast is presented by ⁠HexagonAsset Lifecycle Intelligence⁠.

Welcome to Season 5 of the DBA Podcast! In this episode, Gavin sits down with Patrick Bossert and Martin Blyth to unpack the intersections of digital and data within operations and maintenance. As AI continues to evolve, they explore how generative AI, machine learning, digital twins, and data governance are reshaping asset management. Discover the various applications of these technologies, the challenges of integrating them, and the strategic insights required for their effective deployment. Don't miss this insightful discussion packed with expert advice and practical examples.Here's what you'll find in this episode:00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:44 The Role of AI in Asset Management03:48 Understanding Machine Learning vs. AI06:12 Customer Perspectives on AI08:44 Challenges in Data Governance15:30 Strategic Leadership and Data Value21:34 Digital Twins in Operations and Maintenance30:26 Advice for Implementing New Technologies37:04 The Future Impact of AI on O&M41:57 Conclusion and Closing RemarksThe DBA Podcast is powered by TEMPO Institute, an education platform to help drive a digital built environment.Season 5 of the DBA podcast is presented by Hexagon Asset Lifecycle Intelligence.