Infrastructure and economic development: Civil engineering perspective

Abstract

Explaining the impact of infrastructure on the economy requires more attention from civil engineers. Because the links between infrastructure and economic development are too complex to be fully measurable, civil engineers must explain them to policymakers and the public. Explanations are hampered by an ineffective economic accounting system and a cumbersome system for classifying infrastructure categories; thus, explanations remain largely conceptual. The accounting system remains ineffective because economists have not developed satisfactory methods of accounting for the economic impacts of infrastructure. Classification problems arise because infrastructure is an umbrella term for a collection of diverse public and private systems. Infrastructure will remain a highly political issue, and the environment and debt problems will be important public-policy issues. Civil engineers also have key roles in management issues such as nondestructive evaluation, operations, and maintenance. Engineering education must rise to these challenges. Investments in education, research, and infrastructure are important keys to the future of America. © ASCE.