Turner & Townsend has released its 16th annual Global Construction Market Intelligence (GCMI) 2025 report, providing comprehensive insights into the evolving global construction landscape. The report analyses data from 99 markets across 42 countries, highlighting key trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the industry.
Key findings:
- Labour Shortages and Skills Gaps:Labour immobility and persistent skills shortages emerged as the industry’s most pressing issues. Yet, behind these challenges lie opportunities for localisation. Many markets are turning to local solutions in workforce development.
- Cost Inflation Stabilization: Construction cost inflation is stabilising in many parts of the world, returning to pre-pandemic norms.
- Sector Growth: Data centres, life sciences and advanced manufacturing continue to dominate as growth sectors. However, the industry mustn’t overlook the urgent need for change. The digital transformation of construction remains slow, and productivity continues to lag.
- Digital Transformation Challenges: Data shows a critical window to turn resilience into reinvention. This can be achieved through AI adoption, lifecycle digital integration and bold investment in modern methods of construction. In short: the sector stands at a crossroads.
- Europe Regional Overview: Confidence returning alongside a drive for renewed industrial and defence investment
- UK Regional Overview: Healthcare, housing, defence and industrials set to bolster UK construction activity
Click here to read the full report.

