The critical role of open data with Nicholas Cumins

We are back for 2025 and in today's podcast we will I hope, start the new year by catching a glimpse of the art of the possible when it comes to embracing the use of data, technology and digital tools to drive improvement across the infrastructure sector.As such it is my pleasure to sit down today with Nicholas Cumins, chief executive of global infrastructure software giant Bentley Systems. Nicholas stepped into the hot seat six months ago when former ceo, founder and driving mind for the business Greg Bentley moved up to chair the now public company, ending three decades of family control. So no pressure there then!Nicholas set out his stall for the direction of the business during his keynote address to the 2024 Bentley Systems Year in Infrastructure event held last October in Vancouver. This annual event gathers infrastructure’s top minds to share information and inspiration, find out what’s new in the digital design, construction and operation world and, or course, to celebrate success with a bunch of now highly coveted awards. These kind of global events demonstrate clearly how governments around the world are banking on infrastructure investment to drove economies but also that the future of our built environment depends on doing more with less and on achieving better economic and social outcomes for communities. And as Nicholas pointed out in Vancouver, that means creating new, sustainable solutions that will both protect our natural environment and meet global target for cutting carbon emissions. But it also means finding new and better ways to manage and maintain the vast amount of vital infrastructure that already exists.Digitalisation, data and the power of AI and data analysis tools are key to helping professionals to make better decisions and creating better outcomes for the societies that rely on it. And it’s fair to say that software companies like Bentley are developing extraordinary tools to power this transformation. So let’s hear what’s new and what’s around the corner.ResourcesBentley Systems iLabThe Digital Twin HubBentley Systems Year in Infrastructure 2024YII 2024 KeynotesCesium 3D TilesGoogle partnershipUnreal Engine