Improving International Competitiveness

Recent data indicate U.S. design and construction firms have been losing market share in international business. An ASCE task committee assesses the impact of a global economy on U.S. firms and concludes that the firms may be losing their competitive edge. The committee identifies factors that limit U.S. firms, including an insufficient supply of highly competent employees, increased research spending by foreign firms, growth of foreign firms in the U.S. market, emergence of regional trading blocks, use of integrated project teams, reduced financial incentive for U.S. firms and individuals, and insufficient government support. Findings of the committee indicate U.S. firms may decline in domestic as well as international business unless corrective measures are taken. This paper discusses the findings and recommended actions, including assignment of responsibility to the engineering profession, construction industry, educational system, and the government.