Bridging the Talent Gap in Infrastructure
Welcome to the latest edition of Tomorrow's Infrastructure! Today, we’re diving into a critical challenge facing the infrastructure sector: the growing demand for skilled project management talent as global infrastructure projects surge.
Top Story: Infrastructure Expansion Outpaces Talent Growth
A recent report by the Project Management Institute (PMI) highlights a looming talent gap in the infrastructure sector. By 2035, the world will need 30 million additional project professionals to meet the demands of rapidly developing regions like South Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and China.
In the UK alone, a shortfall of 226,000 project professionals is projected, with sectors like construction, IT, and healthcare feeling the pinch. The report emphasizes the need for reskilling and upskilling to address this gap.
Trends to Watch: Digitalization and Energy Transition
The infrastructure sector is evolving rapidly, with digitalization and the energy transition emerging as key drivers of investment. A recent report by DLA Piper reveals that:
54% of investors see the energy transition as a primary catalyst for growth.
Digital infrastructure, including data centers and AI, is attracting significant capital.
These trends underscore the need for innovative solutions and skilled professionals to navigate this dynamic landscape.
📖 Explore the full report here
Trends to Watch
Digitalization Drives Investment
Digital infrastructure, including data centers and AI, is rapidly becoming a focal point for investors. A recent report reveals that 36% of infrastructure investments are now directed toward digitalization, driven by the expansion of cloud computing and data centers.
📖 Explore the full report hereEnergy Transition Takes Center Stage
The global push for decarbonization is reshaping infrastructure priorities. Renewable energy projects and energy efficiency initiatives are leading the charge, with 54% of investors identifying this as a primary growth driver.
📖 Learn more about this trendData Centers: The Fastest-Growing Sector
Data center spending is forecast to grow by 39% in 2025, continuing its phenomenal streak of +45% in 2023 and +56% in 2024. This growth is fueled by increasing demand for digital infrastructure and government investments.
📖 Read the detailed forecast
The Week's Infrastructure Number
$9.1 trillion
That’s the estimated investment needed to address America’s infrastructure gaps over the next decade, according to the 2025 ASCE Report Card. While significant progress has been made, critical areas like stormwater and transit still lag behind.
📖 Dive into the full report
Open Architecture Competitions on SeekFanatic
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Library for Disabled is an architectural competition to design a fully accessible library catering to the needs of disabled users. The design should prioritize inclusivity, featuring elements like ramps, wide aisles, adjustable furniture, assistive technologies, and sensory-friendly spaces. Create a library that fosters a welcoming and empowering environment for everyone.
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The Nomadic Artist Residency Spaces competition invites architects, designers, and visionaries to develop innovative and impactful mobile artist residencies. Art has the power to transform communities, and this competition seeks to create self-sufficient, transportable living and working spaces that allow artists to engage deeply with diverse environments and underserved communities.
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Underground Co-Working and Innovation Hub. Design an innovative, eco-friendly co-working space located underground. This competition challenges architects and designers to create a subterranean hub that utilizes natural resources like geothermal energy, fostering a creative environment for entrepreneurs and creatives.
Submission deadline: 1 August 2025. Join the competition.
The Best 2025 Architecture Thesis Award. As the academic year draws to a close, the architecture community eagerly anticipates the unveiling of the most innovative and groundbreaking architectural theses of 2025. The Best Thesis Awards 2025 aims to recognize exceptional talent and celebrate the culmination of years of dedication and hard work by final-year architecture students.
Submission deadline: 30 November 2025. Join the competition
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