New tools, materials, and building methods continue to emerge in construction, although their impact does not always spread quickly across the industry. A 2024 analysis found that global construction productivity increased by about 10% between 2000 and 2022, compared with 50% across the broader economy and 90% in manufacturing. The comparison does not mean construction should operate like a factory, but it raises questions about where different approaches could improve how buildings are designed and delivered.
Part of the challenge is the nature of construction itself. Buildings differ by site, purpose, regulation, climate, design, and the people involved in delivering them. A method that works well on one project may not transfer neatly to another, which can make widespread change more complicated than simply introducing a new product.
