The European construction value chain: performance, challenges, role in the GVC
Abgeschlossene Forschungsprojekte
Auftraggeber: Europäische Kommission
Studie von: Österreichisches Institut für Wirtschaftsforschung – ECORYS Holding BV – Wiener Institut für internationale Wirtschaftsvergleiche
Abgeschlossen: 2016
We develop a clear picture of the European construction value chain, its structure (segmentation) and interlinkages, and its
development and performance. The study will assess integration within the European construction value chain (including its
upstream and downstream segments), particularly in terms of the cross-border dimension of market integration. In addition
we will analyse the position and role of Europe within the global construction value chain. Finally we will explore future
scenarios affecting construction-related activities – both within Europe and globally – and assess the corresponding challenges
facing the European construction value chain.
Forschungsbereich:Industrie-, Innovations- und internationale Ökonomie
Studie von: Österreichisches Institut für Wirtschaftsforschung – Wiener Institut für internationale Wirtschaftsvergleiche – ECORYS Holding BV
Several years after the global slump, the construction industry and many countries and sectors with construction-related activities
and firms tied to them still feel the impact of that financial and economic crisis. In contrast, several years prior to the
crisis, there had been a major construction bubble. This report outlines the significance of the construction sector for the
EU economy, given its potential in job creation in micro and small enterprises as well as its role as a major consumer of
intermediate products and related services. Developments within the industry have wide-reaching implications for the nature
of growth that can be achieved, not least in terms of achieving the ambition of smart, sustainable and inclusive growth that
is at the heart of the Europe 2020 strategy. Furthermore, a modernisation of the sector and improvements in the efficiency
of building construction are also key aspects for the transformation of the EU's energy system as pointed out in the "Energy
Roadmap 2050". In this context, the Commission introduced its "Strategy for the sustainable competitiveness of the construction
sector and its enterprises" that contained a proposed Action Plan Construction 2020 aimed at addressing challenges within
the 2020 time horizon. This Action Plan focuses on five thematic priorities which aim to address economic, skills, environmental,
regulatory, and international challenges. This study provides an assessment of the role and dynamics of the construction industry
in the European Union and its interlinkages with other industries over the last fifteen years. The report draws a picture
of a sector in transformation, partly still suffering from the ramifications of the global crisis, and points to the new foundations
from which the sector and the whole value chain can develop towards the future.