The construction supply chain between innovation and labour shortages

The construction sector is going through a period of profound transformation, divided between the need to adopt new digital technologies and the serious difficulty in finding qualified personnel. The shortage of labor makes it difficult for the construction sector to find workers, both specialized and technical. This lack of generational turnover, due to the fact that young people rarely choose to work on construction sites, creates recruitment difficulties: more than half of construction companies report problems in filling vacancies. Labor shortages slow down work and hinder business growth, despite the strong demand for public works and infrastructure. To overcome these limitations, companies are focusing on digital transformation and smarter processes, and the use of new technologies, advanced machinery, robotics and sustainable materials help to compensate for the labor shortage. We need to create a collaborative ecosystem where companies, schools and research centers can work together to train new professionals. The future of construction requires specific investments in training and safety, and we need to strengthen the link between technical institutes and construction sites to attract young people. Let’s put the issue on the table and get to work.