世界经济论坛-基础设施4.0：利用技术和系统思维实现更好的成果（英文）-2021.5-22页_1mb

Summary of Infrastructure 4.0 White Paper

Core Content

The Infrastructure 4.0 white paper, published by the World Economic Forum in May 2021, outlines a transformative vision for the future of infrastructure development. It emphasizes the integration of technology and systems thinking to create high-quality, outcome-focused infrastructure systems that enhance economic, environmental and social outcomes. The paper argues that current infrastructure development methods are outdated and inefficient, often leading to cost overruns, delays and poor performance. It proposes a shift from traditional, siloed approaches to collaborative, ecosystem-based strategies that support innovation and long-term sustainability.

Main Recommendations

The white paper presents 13 recommendations grouped into three main thematic areas:

1. Creating New Ecosystems

This theme focuses on collaboration and alignment across sectors and stakeholders to build system-of-systems thinking. Key points include:

• Reframing infrastructure as a system that connects the natural, built and human worlds.
• Engaging communities in technological transitions to ensure their concerns are addressed and their value is extracted.
• Encouraging infrastructure asset owners and operators to develop enterprise digital strategies that align with the broader ecosystem.
• Establishing digital commons and marketplaces for public data to support innovation and better infrastructure planning.

2. Creating New Business Models

This theme highlights the need for rethinking infrastructure development as a platform for outcomes, not just a set of physical assets. Key points include:

• Focusing on economic, environmental and social outcomes rather than just the project itself.
• Using technology as an enabler of better results, not just for showcasing innovation.
• Designing collaborative procurement models that promote full-life-cycle value and shared risk ownership.
• Encouraging unsolicited proposals to foster innovation and new ideas in infrastructure development.

3. Building Skills and Education

This theme recognizes that change is driven by people, and therefore, it is crucial to develop and maintain the skills and education necessary for a digitally transformed infrastructure sector. Key points include:

• Empowering front-line workers such as engineers and designers to innovate and scale good ideas.
• Creating flexible and relevant training programs for current and future generations of infrastructure professionals.
• Fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement to keep pace with technological advancements.

Key Information

• Technology adoption is essential to improve the performance and delivery of infrastructure systems.
• Infrastructure is a system of systems, linking the built environment, the natural world and human experience.
• Collaboration and systems thinking are key to overcoming the inefficiencies and challenges in infrastructure development.
• Digital transformation of infrastructure processes is crucial for long-term success and resilience.
• Public-private partnerships and community engagement are necessary to ensure inclusive and sustainable development.
• The Infrastructure 4.0 Community is a global initiative involving experts from 17 countries, including government, private sector, civil society and academia.
• The white paper is part of a broader effort to build back better after the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conclusion

The paper underscores the importance of adopting a holistic, outcome-focused approach to infrastructure development. It calls for policy changes, innovation in business models and investment in skills and education to ensure that infrastructure systems can thrive in the face of climate change and economic uncertainty. By leveraging technology and systems thinking, the infrastructure sector can lead the way in creating a more sustainable, equitable and prosperous world.

Appendix: Summary of Recommendations

Appendix: Infrastructure 4.0 Community

The Infrastructure 4.0 Community is a global initiative involving experts and stakeholders from 17 countries. It includes:

• Private sector representatives from engineering, construction, finance, technology and real estate.
• Government officials from national and subnational levels.
• Multilateral institutions and academia from prominent institutions.

The initiative is supported by the Global Infrastructure Hub, which maintains an online case study library of infrastructure technology best practices.

Contributors and Endnotes

The paper is authored by a collaborative effort involving the Infrastructure 4.0 Community and is supported by the Global Infrastructure Hub. It includes endnotes referencing the G20 Global Smart Cities Alliance, the Centre for Digital Built Britain, and the Milano Innovation District (MIND) project, among others.