The 2025 i3P annual forum brought the sector together for a thoughtful and forward-looking conversation about the future of UK infrastructure. The day reflected a clear sense that the landscape is shifting and that the choices made now will shape the next decade of delivery. With national priorities evolving and pressure growing across systems, the forum looked at how the sector can work with more clarity, confidence and collective purpose. The discussion made one thing plain - progress will rely on new ideas, better early decisions and a stronger commitment to working together.

Shifts in strategy and delivery

Jonathan Saks from NISTA opened with the government 10 year infrastructure strategy which brings long term clarity, clearer national aims and a more coordinated pipeline. This set a strong starting point for the day. The data showed the scale of historic underinvestment but also the gains that can be unlocked through better decisions at the earliest stages.

Mark Enzer then reframed the built environment as a connected system rather than a set of individual projects. Many of the challenges the UK faces are system wide and require joined up thinking across economic social and natural systems. This shift encourages a better understanding of interdependencies and more effective cooperation across organisations.

Expedition Engineering added further momentum by showing how many performance issues stem from variability within production systems. Adopting production thinking already common in other sectors could reduce error, improve consistency and support more reliable delivery.

National Grid shared how working through i3P has helped it adopt proven innovations sooner, reduce duplication and make better informed decisions. It offered a clear example of how shared learning can create faster and smoother progress.

A collective vision for the years ahead

In the afternoon members shaped the direction of i3P for the next decade. Groups explored the results they want to see in ten years, and the actions needed over the next year to move towards them. The conversation was ambitious but grounded with a strong sense that progress depends on shared effort.

Three ideas stood out across the day. Early choices set outcomes. Collaboration is essential. Skills and capability need to develop as the sector embraces data AI systems thinking and production methods.

The forum showed the strength of the i3P community. It is a place where partners from across government, industry and the supply chain can address challenges openly and work on solutions with real impact. The momentum from the day points to a sector ready to act together and ready to shape a more confident and effective future for UK infrastructure.

Parts of the day were recorded so members who attended can look back and those that were not there can learn from the talks. The workshop sessions were an attendee only benefit.

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