Consult Australia and the CRC for Low Carbon Living have released a report examining desired outcomes of infrastructure projects, the challenges, and the possible solutions.

Innovation in Infrastructure found that, without exception, all industry stakeholder groups considered the optimal outcomes for infrastructure projects to be that they are delivered on budget, on time, the quality of design is as demanded, and the asset is ultimately fit for purpose.

The report demonstrates a consensus amongst clients, consultants and contractors that innovation in infrastructure is possible. However, it finds that there are barriers to unlocking this innovation:

• Consultants and contractors are constrained by procurement processes, inappropriate allocation of risk and resource frustrations.
• Clients are constrained by legacy and inappropriate systems, political will and the fear that innovation is being driven by the desire of industry for immediate revolutionary change rather than a more achievable gradual shift in approach.

The report sets out the results of the research and a number of actions that can be undertaken to bring about change. These actions will require collaboration between industry and government and fall into three areas of opportunity:

• People and Culture
• Education and Knowledge Sharing
• Contracts and Procurement

Reframing the conversation from one of innovation, which was suggested to create anxieties around risk, towards one where the focus is on ‘doing things more effectively’ was proposed as a small, but essential step in achieving greater alignment across our industry, better support community needs, reduce the impact of large infrastructure on our environment and support Australia’s goal of reducing carbon emissions by 2030.

More information here