Infrastructure construction in change: What is the sensible path forward?

Infrastructure construction is changing. The formerly closed domestic markets have opened up and become international in Finland like in many other countries. The transformation of a closed public sector into an open market has proven a challenge both to the public sector and enterprises. Infrastructures themselves are also changing. They can be made to include technology that gives extra value to clients. Infrastructure is never complete, but despite its static nature must be modified along with changes in regional structure, society and structural changes of industry. The importance of competitive intelligence has increased in market-based operation. It is needed by the clients of infrastructure construction and the service providers, both in shortterm planning of operations and long-term strategic planning. This paper focusses on research delving into the long-term changes and challenges of infrastructure construction. The research assessed the future changes in infrastructure construction and their impacts on the basis of LoNGPESTEL analysis. The research was done in co-operation between the state, local government and the university and research organisations. Asset management, financing of infrastructure maintenance, structural changes in the public sector, labour availability and competence, EU directives and environmental legislation, soil materials and recycling of materials, as well as urbanisation have been put forward as the greatest challenges to infrastructure construction.