This research paper  "Trend paper: From construction to built environment policies" looks at the development of EU Member States, industry and international organisations perception on the relation between construction and broader urban and built environment policies and in some cases, on the transition from one to the other. Specifically, it presents evidence from European and international experience for the need towards more integrated policy making for the built environment, encompassing construction policies.

The construction sector plays a strong role in the economy and society. It contributes an estimated 9 per cent of the EU’s GDP and provides at least 18million direct jobs. Furthermore, it is serving other industries by providing constructed assets and thereby improving — or hindering — their productivity. Firms do derive their competitive edge from being able to use modern infrastructure.