埃森哲-未来基础设施：展望2030年的城市与日常生活（英文）-2018.3-68页-4mb

Summary of The Future of Infrastructure Report

Core Content

The Future of Infrastructure is a global research report by AECOM, highlighting the challenges and opportunities in the infrastructure industry as it evolves in response to urbanization, climate change, and digital transformation. The report is based on survey data from over 500 senior industry professionals, all working on projects valued at more than US$100 million, and includes insights from key industry figures.

Main Challenges

• Funding Shortages:

  • Nearly 70% of respondents feel the industry is not evolving fast enough to meet society’s changing needs.
  • One-third of global respondents identify lack of public funding as the main constraint to new infrastructure projects.
  • Only 24% believe the industry is fully prepared to attract private investment.
  • The world needs to invest an average of US$3.3 trillion annually through 2030 to keep pace with growth, and US$71 trillion by 2050 is required, according to the OECD.
  • 71% of respondents believe traditional approaches to project delivery are outdated and not suitable for modern, complex infrastructure programs.

• Skills Gap:

  • Only 21% of respondents feel the industry is fully prepared to source the right skills for future challenges.
  • One-quarter of respondents cite skills and talent shortages as a major obstacle to progress.

• Resilience Concerns:

  • 71% of respondents believe a major cyberattack or citywide transport disruption is probable in the next five years.
  • There is a growing need for resilient infrastructure to withstand physical and digital threats.

• Innovation Deficit:

  • 71% of respondents believe the industry is out of sync with the complexities it faces.
  • 75% say private sector technical concepts offer great potential for innovation.
  • Innovation is seen as the third most important skill for the future of infrastructure, but the least available in the workforce.

Key Opportunities

• Innovative Funding Models:

  • 90% of respondents believe innovative funding models are effective in bridging the funding gap.
  • Public-private partnerships (P3s) are seen as a promising approach, with 80% of respondents supporting their use to improve traditional procurement.
  • User-based funding models, such as advanced tolling systems, are also gaining traction.

• Technological Advancements:

  • The Fourth Industrial Revolution is enabling new tools and approaches in infrastructure design and delivery.
  • Digital technologies are critical for improving reliability, efficiency, and resilience in infrastructure systems.

• Workforce Development:

  • The industry needs to become more inclusive, diverse, and innovative in attracting and retaining talent.
  • Skills 2030 is a proposed manifesto to secure the workforce for future infrastructure needs.

• Resilience and Future-Proofing:

  • Resilience is seen as essential to protect against cyber and physical threats.
  • Future infrastructure must be robust, adaptable, and prepared for emerging risks.

Main Findings

Regional Perspectives

• North America and Australia:

  • 83% and 58% respectively are optimistic about future funding challenges.
  • 48% of North American respondents support P3s, and 45% support enhanced toll-gathering solutions.

• Europe:

  • Only 35% of U.K. respondents feel civil infrastructure is well placed to contend with future funding constraints, compared to 42% in mainland Europe.
  • 28% of European respondents see P3s as an effective solution, and 31% support toll-gathering enhancements.

• APAC:

  • 74% of respondents agree that technological change will make for a critical decade for the sector.
  • 48% and 42% of APAC professionals support P3s and toll-gathering solutions, respectively.

Call to Action

The report emphasizes the need for collective action at the federal and local levels to address the infrastructure funding gap. It also calls for greater collaboration, innovation in delivery methods, and investment in workforce development. The industry must embrace change, communicate its value more effectively, and leverage new technologies to build resilient, sustainable, and future-ready infrastructure.

Conclusion

The infrastructure industry is at a pivotal moment, with urgent action required to meet the growing demands of society. The report underscores that funding, skills, and innovation are the three pillars of progress, and that resilience is now a key focus for future-proofing critical systems. Success lies in shared vision, collaboration, and a commitment to long-term, sustainable development.