Leveraging AI as a Business Advantage

In this research paper, CREW Network explores how commercial real estate (CRE) companies can leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to gain a business advantage—and how women in particular can use this technology to advance in the industry.  

Drawing on statistical data from more than 1,000 industry professionals, the paper includes insights on:  

• how CRE professionals are using AI 

• how CRE companies are using AI 

• opportunities and challenges of using AI in commercial real estate 

• the impact of the technology on the global workforce and its gender disparities and biases 

• how AI can provide real opportunities for companies to be more productive and for women to up skill and advance in their careers 

Key research insights 

CREW Network surveyed more than 1,000 CRE professionals in July 2024 to gather data and gain insight into the sentiments and adoption of AI in the industry, and how they differ by gender, CRE specialization, career level, age, and other demographics. CREW Network found that:  

• When it comes to knowledge of AI, 52% of CRE professionals said they know very little or nothing about it, and 46% said they know enough to get by.  

• Men had a greater understanding of AI, with 63% reporting knowing enough to get by versus 45% of women. 

• More than a third of CRE professionals (38%) have never used AI at work. 

• Nearly half of CRE professionals (46%) are neutral on AI and will use it in their work if required. Men (48%) are more eager than women (39%) to use the technology, and in general, believe that AI will be more impactful in CRE. 

• Fear of job loss or replacement due to AI was a concern of only 25% of respondents. The greatest concerns surrounding AI were unpredictable or unintended consequences (68%), privacy and security (65%), and the lack of transparency or ability to explain decision making (53%). 

• More than half (55%) of CRE companies are still evaluating the use of AI.  

• 23% of companies are actively using AI, while 19% said they are encouraged by their companies to use it. 

• 83% of professionals said that their companies have created efficiencies as a result of using AI. 

• Only 30% of CRE companies currently have AI policies in place.  

List of Tools & Action Guides 

AI has the ability to positively impact the industry globally, giving employees freedom from mundane tasks and opening up opportunities to use skills to accomplish more meaningful work. CREW Network asked experienced AI users in the industry to share the tools they are using. The paper includes a list of the most commonly used AI programs for writing, communication, productivity, finance, data analytics, and research in the industry. The paper also includes an action guide with tangible ways to embrace and leverage AI in CRE.  

How to Advance this Research 

There are three actions all of us can take to embrace AI and empower women to be at the forefront of this technology: 

1. Share this research with your company leaders, including HR teams and top executives 

2. Share it on social media 

3. Plan an event or program to share the research in your company or market. CREW Network chapters and members can leverage a marketing toolkit and other promotional items in CREWbiz 

About CREW Network 

Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) Network is the world’s leading producer of research on gender and diversity in commercial real estate. It develops industry research to provide valuable insights and data focused on advancing gender equity and diversity and inclusion. CREW Network accelerates success for all women in the global commercial real estate industry and provides support to more than 14,000 members through business networking, leadership development, industry research, and career outreach.   
  
This research paper was developed with support from the CREW Network Industry Research Committee and Industry Research Program Partner Capital One. Help advance our research efforts by donating to the CREW Network Foundation Industry Research Fund.