The European Union (EU) Industrial Strategy aims for a swift green and digital transition of EU industry and ecosystems, which requires actionable plans for each industrial ecosystem. The construction ecosystem, the second-largest industry in the EU, has enormous potential to contribute to the European Green Deal and the Digital Decade, but faces challenges such as the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the climate emergency, digital transformation, and the transition from a linear to a circular economy. Policymakers need to take into account the challenges faced by companies in the ecosystem, of which over 90% are micro-enterprises. The High-Level Construction Forum (HLCF) is the vehicle for co-creating the transition pathway, which describes the conditions and necessary actions to achieve a resilient, competitive, greener, and more digital construction ecosystem, proposing actions that support the transition towards safer buildings and affordable housing for all Europeans.
On March 15, the European Commission published the report ‘Transition pathway for Construction’. This publication by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs summarises the discussions with European construction stakeholders on the twin transition of the construction industry.
The structure of this transition pathway in specific Building Blocks follows the guidelines of the Industrial Forum. Each Building Block covers a key aspect of the twin transition and the move to greater resilience:
- COMPETITIVENESS: discusses the challenges and opportunities for the construction industry, including the European construction ecosystem in the world, construction startups, and strategic dependencies.
- SKILLS AND TALENT: focuses on skills and talent, emphasizing the need for a coordinated effort to upskill construction professionals and promote diversity and attraction of talent.
- ENABLING FRAMEWORK: addresses the enabling framework for a greener and more digital construction ecosystem, as well as creating a favorable environment for competitiveness and resilience.
- R&I TECHNOLOGY: covers research, innovation, and technology, highlighting the fragmented ecosystem and the need for these factors to enable the twin transition.
- FINANCE: discusses funding options for the construction industry, including private investment and EU funding schemes and national/regional programs.
- A SAFE AND FAIR BUILT ENVIRONMENT: emphasizes the importance of a fair and safe built environment, including fair housing and safe buildings.
The Report also provides a set of roadmaps towards the objectives of the ecosystem:
- Roadmap 1: A resilient a competitive construction ecosystem
- Roadmap 2: Upskilling and attracting talent
- Roadmap 3: Safe and affordable housing for all
- Roadmap 4: Greening construction
- Roadmap 5: Towards a greener built environment
- Roadmap 6: Towards a fully digital construction and built environment
- Roadmap 7: Fostering innovation in construction
Overall, this report provides comprehensive insights and recommendations to enhance the competitiveness, resilience, and sustainability of the construction industry. To read the full report, please click on the provided link.
READ THE REPORT
