The Construction Transformation Paradox: Overcoming Resistance to Build a Future-Ready Sector

Global construction stands at a precipice. The sector, already a near $10 trillion industry, faces surging demand from every angle. From infrastructure and urbanisation to data centres, life sciences and advanced manufacturing (Turner & Townsend, 2025). Market research reveals a more stable environment, with cost inflation returning to pre-2020 levels at an average of 3-4%. Thanks to risk management and continuity planning, the construction industry overcame the shocks of the pandemic and geopolitical conflict. However, structural issues still remained: talent shortage, vulnerable supply chains and many organisations that aren’t fully utilising their digital capabilities. Despite growth opportunities, it’s the internal structures that destabilise the sector and derail any hope for future growth. 

This report explores the heart of this paradox: the industry tasked with building the future is often the slowest to adapt to it, and what leaders can do about it. From the business case for change and common failure points, to human capital constraints and strategies for transformation, we set out a practical agenda for lasting impact.