Research Reports

The construction industry is an important foundation industry that goes beyond simple construction, supporting the national economy, forming the basic environment of society, and determining the quality of life of the people. However, the construction industry is now at a critical turning point where it must design values ​​and a sustainable future suitable for the new era amidst unprecedented crises and changes.

In response, the Korea Construction Industry Research Institute has published 『Reinventing the Construction Industry: A Rebirth Strategy』. The report contains strategies and systems for breaking away from the existing growth model and transforming into a value-centered industry, securing sustainability, and reviving the construction industry within a new paradigm.

The challenges and crises facing the construction industry today are complex. In addition to structural problems such as the low-growth trend, shrinking real estate market, stagnant technological innovation, labor shortage, and declining productivity, huge trends such as digital transformation, eco-friendly paradigm, ESG management, and population structure changes are reorganizing the entire industry. It is an era where sustainable growth can no longer be guaranteed with existing methods alone.

The direction that the construction industry must take in these changes is very clear. Beyond simple survival, it is about transforming into a future industry of the nation with social value and sustainability as its core. The strategy for the rebirth of the construction industry is based on the vision of a “national industry that builds the future of the people,” and is promoted with a focus on four major goals (Responsible: fulfilling responsibilities, Revolutionary: pursuing innovation, Reliable: trustworthy, Resilient: leaping forward) and three major principles (fairness and coexistence, convergence and expansion, autonomy and innovation).

First, reestablishing the value of the industry – The construction industry must transform from a simple construction industry to an industry that puts people first. In addition to technology and capital, the value of people must become the center of the industry. To this end, it is essential to foster skilled workers, improve the work environment, and establish a fair and safe industrial culture.

Second, a major transformation of the production system – The existing disconnected construction process must be improved, and a production system that strengthens connectivity and cooperation must be established. While improving excessive regulations and unfair elements, an environment in which various entities can collaborate smoothly must be created. Through this, we must form an industrial structure that is integrated with cutting-edge technology to increase productivity and efficiency.

Third, innovation in the construction market and products – We must transform the paradigm of construction products and services by shifting to a consumer-centered mindset. We must actively introduce sustainable construction technologies and strengthen global competitiveness by incorporating digital technologies and smart construction systems. Through this, the construction industry must establish itself as an industry that realizes a smarter and more sustainable society.

The rebirth of the construction industry is not a simple innovation, but a process of a great transformation that fundamentally redesigns the industry based on new principles and philosophies. In order to realize this, we must establish a governance in which the government and the private sector cooperate, and research and policy implementation must be supported.

The Korea Construction Industry Research Institute will do its best to ensure that the construction industry can establish itself as a value-centered sustainable industry in this journey of change. We will actively move forward to help the construction industry leap forward as a core industry that creates the future by cooperating with various stakeholders such as the central government, local governments, industry, and academia.

We hope that the 『Strategy for the Rebirth and Innovation of the Construction Industry』 will be able to overcome the current crisis and provide meaningful insights and practical solutions to all those who are concerned about the future of the construction industry.