APM Research Reveals AI Fully Embedded in UK Project Delivery

The Association for Project Management has published new research showing that AI has moved well beyond experimentation to become a core part of how projects are planned, delivered, and managed across the UK industry. The survey of 1,000 project professionals, conducted in partnership with Censuswide and published on 1 April 2026, reveals that over a quarter (27%) say AI is fully embedded in their workflows.

The research identifies a wide range of applications across sectors, including construction, engineering, financial services, manufacturing, technology, and transport and logistics. These range from administrative automation and document summarisation to advanced decision support, risk forecasting, resource allocation, and project outcome prediction. The breadth of these use cases signals a clear shift: AI is now functioning as a strategic capability underpinning project delivery, rather than simply a productivity tool.

Sector-specific patterns are emerging. Construction leads adoption, with 28% of project professionals in that sector reporting fully embedded AI. Financial services follow at 24%, with engineering and technology close behind. In all sectors, professionals cited improved forecasting accuracy, better decision-making through data-driven insights, and stronger risk mitigation as key benefits.

Despite high confidence levels — 92% of respondents feel their skill set is aligned with AI-enabled workplaces — the research also identifies a growing awareness that more advanced skills are needed. The APM plans to use these findings to shape its professional development and qualification offering for the profession going forward.