Mark Coates: Navigating the Future of Infrastructure with Policy, Partnerships, and Innovation

Mark Coates, VP Infrastructure Policy Advancement, Bentley Systems

The Year in Infrastructure Conference in Vancouver was abuzz with discussions about the future of infrastructure, digitalization, and sustainability. Among the many thought leaders present, Mark Coates, Vice President of Infrastructure Policy Advancement at Bentley Systems, offered a compelling perspective on how global collaboration, digital tools, and innovative policies can transform the infrastructure landscape.

In an exclusive interview, Coates detailed his team’s mission to identify and promote best practices from innovative infrastructure projects worldwide. “We see these fantastic lighthouse projects,” he explained. “The goal is to make sure they don’t remain isolated, but rather become the next level of norm across industries, governments, and financial institutions.” This, Coates believes, is essential to addressing infrastructure challenges in a world increasingly affected by environmental and operational changes.

The Call for Resilience in a Rapidly Changing World

Environmental changes, including more frequent and severe weather events, pose a significant threat to aging infrastructure. “The storms aren’t going to stop,” Coates said, referencing recent global weather disasters. “They’re becoming more frequent, and we need infrastructure that can withstand these changes.”

Resilience, he emphasized, is not just about building stronger infrastructure but also about using available resources more intelligently. Data collected throughout the lifecycle of infrastructure projects holds immense value but is often underutilized. “With 95% of our infrastructure already built, the focus should shift toward optimizing what we have,” he said. “That’s where AI and machine learning come in, providing insights that can improve operations, predict failures, and extend asset lifespans.”

He illustrated the potential of AI with examples from the conference, highlighting Bentley’s carbon calculator tool, which helps project teams measure and reduce carbon footprints. “This kind of insight, coupled with collaboration between governments, insurers, financiers, and contractors, is how we drive real change,” he noted. “It’s the only way to future-proof our infrastructure.”

Example of Bentley’s Carbon Analysis capabilities: Embodied carbon grouping of common components for reporting (Photo: Bentley Systems)

From “Shovel-Ready” to “Shovel-Worthy”: Rethinking Project Planning

One of the most memorable points in the interview was Coates’ assertion that governments need to focus on making projects shovel-worthy rather than just shovel-ready. This shift is critical, he said, to avoid the common mistake of rushing projects to meet short-term political goals at the expense of long-term success.

“Infrastructure projects should be measured twice and cut once,” Coates said, borrowing a time-honored adage. “We have incredible technology now, like digital twins, that allow us to model and simulate projects multiple times before even breaking ground.” These simulations reduce waste, optimize designs, and increase the chances of finishing projects on time and within budget.

The Impact of the U.S. Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA)

The discussion naturally turned to the influence of the U.S. Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), which Coates praised as a game-changer. “It wasn’t just the funding that made a difference,” he explained. “The real power of the IIJA is in how it empowers the adoption of digital tools for planning and delivery.”

He pointed to this legislation as a key factor in accelerating digital adoption across North America. “It’s unlocking new potential for infrastructure planning,” Coates said, noting that this kind of foresight ensures projects are not only built efficiently but also positioned to meet future challenges. “The legislation has sparked a digital transformation and has become crucial for securing financing as well,” he added. “When 80-85% of global investors ask for a digital plan during credit interviews, you know it’s becoming the new norm.”

Canada: The Pioneer of Public-Private Partnerships

Coates highlighted Canada’s leadership in public-private partnerships (P3s) as a model for other countries. “Canada has excelled in aligning public and private interests to deliver well-planned projects,” he said. This collaborative approach ensures that outcomes are clearly defined from the start, resulting in better execution and long-term sustainability.

“The private sector’s investment focus is changing,” Coates explained. “Post-pandemic, investors are moving away from traditional retail spaces and office buildings, looking instead at infrastructure projects that offer stable returns.” He stressed that this shift makes it even more critical for governments and financial institutions to work together. “We need shared insights, not silos, to deliver these projects effectively.”

How Bentley Systems is Driving Innovation

Bentley Systems is uniquely positioned to lead this transformation. From AI-powered carbon calculators to advanced 4D and 5D simulation tools, the company offers a range of solutions that enable better planning, execution, and management of infrastructure projects. Coates emphasized the importance of adoption, noting, “We provide the tools, but success depends on how widely and effectively they are used.”

He also discussed Bentley’s iLab, an innovation hub that launched in London two years ago. “What started as a mild breeze has become a full-on storm of innovation,” Coates said with enthusiasm. The iLab has become a center for developing and testing new technologies, and its success underscores the rapid pace of technological advancement in the infrastructure sector.

Bentley immersive iLab experience at Year In Infrastructure (Photo: Bentley Systems)

One of the standout technologies, according to Coates, is synchronized 4D and 5D simulation, which integrates time and cost data into project models. “These simulations are making a real impact now,” he said, citing a recent project with Anglian Water in the UK that used these tools to optimize pipeline construction and minimize waste.

A Personal Journey of Learning and Growth

Coates’ professional journey has been anything but linear. Starting as a quantity surveyor, he worked on major projects like football stadiums and the Paralympic Games before transitioning to the technology side of the industry. His move into infrastructure technology came at a pivotal time, just as the iPhone and iPad were transforming the way projects were managed.

“The last six years at Bentley have been the most transformative of my career,” Coates reflected. “I’ve had the privilege to learn from some of the brightest minds in the industry and contribute to projects that truly make a difference.”

Mark’s seven-year-old working Cocker Spaniel

Beyond his professional achievements, Coates remains committed to lifelong learning. “I still go to night school,” he said with a smile. “Learning is my passion—it keeps me curious and engaged.” His other passions include cooking, cricket, and golf. He spoke fondly of his seven-year-old working Cocker Spaniel, who forces him to take daily breaks from work, contributing to his mental well-being.

Looking Toward the Future

As we wrapped up our conversation, Coates shared his thoughts on what lies ahead for the infrastructure sector. “The next 10 years will be the most exciting we’ve ever seen,” he predicted. “We’re no longer making incremental changes; we’re on the cusp of transformative advancements.”

He pointed to the next generation of engineers and designers, who will enter the workforce with expectations shaped by digital tools and immersive technologies. “These young professionals will demand the same level of innovation they’ve grown up with, and that will push the entire industry forward,” Coates said.

With Bentley Systems at the forefront, leveraging tools like AI, digital twins, and synchronized simulation, the infrastructure sector is poised for a future that is more resilient, sustainable, and collaborative. “The opportunities are immense,” Coates concluded. “It’s going to be a thrilling decade, and I’m grateful to be part of it.”

In a world facing unprecedented challenges, Mark Coates and Bentley Systems are leading the charge toward smarter, more sustainable infrastructure. By promoting collaboration, leveraging advanced technologies, and fostering a culture of continuous learning, they are not only addressing today’s challenges but also paving the way for a brighter, more resilient future.

Tags: AI and Machine Learning (ML), Collaboration, Digital Twins, Infrastructure Resilience, Public-Private Partnerships (P3s), Shovel-Worthy Projects

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