Supporting the nation’s growth

The 2020 recession was among the shortest ever, but its impact continues to be observed across both the larger US economy and the engineering and construction (E&C) industry.

In 2022, as we move into the second year of recovery, the industry has a big role in supporting the nation’s growth plan. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), with investments across health care, public safety, and other public infrastructure, is expected to bode well for the E&C firms and is likely to accelerate recovery across the nonresidential segment. The residential segment is expected to stay strong and exhibit similar activity as it did in 2021.

The industry has increased its investments in digital, including through mergers and acquisitions (M&A), as it prepares to shift toward connected construction capabilities. These technologies can help E&C firms support initiatives such as smart cities, urban air mobility, and climate change programs and help enhance internal operational efficiencies, reduce costs, and improve margins. 2022 is likely to be an exciting year for the engineering and construction industry, and our annual outlook explores five key themes to watch closely.