Fostering innovation and digitalisation in the construction industry

The construction sector is a strategic pillar of the EU economy and a key enabler of the green and digital transitions. It has a direct impact on housing, transport, energy and climate-resilience infrastructure across Europe. Strengthening innovation and digitalisation is therefore essential not only to decarbonise the economy by 2050, but also to reinforce the EU’s industrial autonomy, productivity and global competitiveness in a sector that underpins many strategic value chains.

The opinion will address the main structural challenges that hinder innovation and digital uptake, including skills shortages, fragmented markets, limited access to digital tools and uneven regulatory frameworks. It will examine how EU policies, such as the revision of public procurement rules, the Single Market strategy and the forthcoming Construction Services Act, can drive innovation, fair competition and productivity gains. It will also consider the role of upskilling and reskilling, as well as digital solutions and standardisation that support compliance, safety and cross-border operations.

By identifying concrete recommendations, the opinion will contribute to the EU’s priorities of industrial competitiveness, strategic autonomy and resilient supply chains. It will highlight how modernised construction processes can reduce costs, increase efficiency, support affordable housing and strengthen Europe’s capacity to deliver major infrastructure and climate-resilience projects, ensuring a more innovative and competitive construction ecosystem.