We need to act together to deliver better infrastructure

By Jon Phillips, GIIA Director of Corporate Affairs

Infrastructure is both a cause and a consequence of economic growth, making it a critical challenge for every countries’ sustainable future.

Whilst much progress has been made, it is a significant concern that there is a global decline in the public satisfaction with infrastructure which is the stand out finding of the latest Global Infrastructure Index, published by Ipsos MORI in partnership with the Global Infrastructure Investor Association.

The survey of 19,786 participants in 29 countries, was conducted to highlight attitudes across the world towards infrastructure and found overall satisfaction falling from 37% to 32%.  At the global level, attitudes are split one third positive, one third negative and one third neutral when asked to rank overall satisfaction with their countries’ infrastructure.

Almost three quarters of people across the world agree that investing in infrastructure is vital to their country’s future economic growth but 59% do not believe enough is being done to meet infrastructure needs.

Climate change, technological advances and ageing populations all pose unprecedented challenges for governments in delivering their future infrastructure needs at a time when public sector balance sheets are under increasing strain.

Governments and regulators should be focused on the outcomes of good quality infrastructure and working with the private sector to find the best ways to deliver, operate and improve our infrastructure for the benefit of future generations.

Rapid income growth across the developing countries as well as rapid urbanisation is driving enormous demand for infrastructure investment across a range of sectors. The Global Infrastructure Index shows that it is sectors such as airports, digital, and water supply that are performing relatively strongly in the public’s satisfaction.

These findings highlight the importance of effective communication between governments, investors, and the public when it comes to infrastructure. If we are going to meet these global challenges and secure the infrastructure we need for future generations, there is much to be done.