Technical Trends in the E&C Business: The Next 10 Years

This paper examines broad trends in the tools and techniques affecting the engineering/construction business over a 10‐year time horizon. As a synthesis of various public and private assessments, it is divided into three sections: trends in design and information handling; trends in the construction process; and trends in the modularization of materials handling. Each section includes a description of basic trends and also their overall implications for the industry at large. Conclusions include the need for more data to properly assess the real impact of the noted trends; the relevance of low‐tech as well as high‐tech trends; and some observations concerning the necessity of adapting corporate culture to emphasize innovation and rapid exploitation of emerging technologies. More aggressive leadership in the R&D (research and development) aspects of engineering/construction is required if our industry is to capitalize on the value perceived from incorporating technical trends into current practice.