International Competition in Construction Technology

During the past 15 years international competition in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) markets has increased significantly. The Office of Technology Assessment published a report in 1986 that addressed competition in the international AEC arena. This paper presents an assessment of the U.S. position in international competition based on the OTA report and discusses action that should be taken at the national level to ensure U.S. competitiveness for the future. The paper defines the concepts of physical‐systems technologies and data‐intensive technologies. The United States enjoys a strong position in data‐intensive technologies due to breakthroughs in the application of computers to AEC problems. Similarly, high‐technology (e.g., lasers and advanced electronics) developments in the United States have been applied to the AEC sector to improve construction techniques. On the other hand, new physical‐systems technologies (e.g., automated construction systems for tunneling and concrete placement) have been developed predominantly outside of the United States. The position of the United States versus the international competition in terms of data‐intensive and physical‐systems technologies is presented in this paper.