Author: Laura Black
Innovation inevitability reshapes the way we live, work, and relate to each other. Thus, when we enter a new era of innovation, we must always enter it with a spirit of curiosity and a spirit of eager learning. Approaching these changes with curiosity allows us to ask better questions, explore new possibilities, and challenge our assumptions, rather than cling to outdated principles. Consider the recent example of a new innovations center. Innovation at Work The Evolver Innovation Center is designed to help U.S. federal government organizations adopt new technologies and serves as a collaborative environment where leaders, engineers, and cybersecurity…
In recent years, we have seen a rise in new technologies aimed specifically at improving the energy efficiency of homes and buildings. Reducing energy usage is often a win-win for everyone involved. What if quantum could step in and make homes even more energy efficient? Let’s consider some of the research out of Hanbat National University, South Korea, which targets quantum reinforcement learning of HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems). Last year, researchers at the university presented a demonstration of continuous-variable, quantum-enhance reinforcement learning for resident HVAC and home power management. The technology integrates features such as multi-zone cooling…
If you walked the show floor at World of Concrete 2026, then you know infrastructure investment—and the associated technologies, tools, and equipment—will drive innovative change in the construction industry. The show floor reflected an industry actively reinventing itself. From heavy equipment and power tools to robotics and digital workflows, the dominant themes this year were productivity, automation, and readiness for the next decade of growth. Let’s explore a few key trends to note. Intelligence Abounds With skilled labor shortages persisting in many regions, manufacturers are increasingly embedding automation and intelligence into equipment. Heavy equipment remained a major draw, with vehicle…
The first time I attended World of Concrete, I was in my early 20s, and I learned so much about the construction industry by walking the show floor, talking to exhibitors, and attending media events. Conferences and trade shows can be wonderful learning opportunities for all—and it seems Penn College agrees with this sentiment. This past month 15 Penn College concrete science technology students and two instructors journeyed to Las Vegas to attend the event. Instructor Franklin Reber began taking students to World of Concrete when the college launched the concrete science technology major in 2018. The travel is funded…
In the past few days, we have had our heads down in reports that look out to the year 2026. We are researching construction market trends, products, and outlook measures to see what is to come in the year ahead. Will there be any big surprises in 2026? Let’s take a look. At the end of last year, NAHB (National Assn. of Home Builders) suggests builder confidence inched higher, but still remains well into the negative territory, as builders deal with rising costs, tariffs, and economic uncertainty. All signs point to builder confidence remain a bit shaky as we enter…
In the past few years, there has been a new, renewed interest in working in trades. I have personally heard it talking to friends and seen a growing interest in the media as well. The numbers seem to back this up as well. The U.S. Dept. of Labor suggests there are more than 2,300 new apprenticeship programs nationally and nearly 300,000 new apprentices. This is up from more than 241,000 new apprentices that entered the national apprenticeship system in fiscal year 2021. In fact, we have seen somewhat steady growth in the past decade and a half, with slight dips…
As we move into 2026, it’s worth reflecting on how predictions about the future of construction continue to evolve—and how key trends are shaping what comes next. A few years ago, analysts speculated about a “new normal” driven by technology, workforce change, and broader social shifts. Some forecasts anticipated increased tech integration, rising influence of large digital platforms, and shifts in how work gets done. While not all predictions unfolded exactly as imagined, many trends—especially around digital capabilities—have become undeniably relevant. The Rise of AI One of the most transformative shifts identified for 2025 was the rapid rise of generative…
As 2025 closed and 2026 begins, the construction industry stands at a moment of transition. Looking back at the trends that defined and shaped 2025 offers a clear lens on what’s ahead—from market conditions and workforce transformation to the accelerating role of AI (artificial intelligence). These themes are now foundational to how firms must think about strategy, resilience, and competitive advantage in 2026. Workforce Transformation One of the most powerful takeaways is the urgency around workforce transformation. Simply filling roles is no longer enough. Companies must invest in reskilling (learning completely new skills) and upskilling (deepening existing capabilities) to stay…
#Factoftheweek From 11.3 million to 31.5 million connected tanks in just five years. According to Berg Insight, the installed base of active RTM (remote tank monitoring) solutions is on track to jump from 11.3 million units today to an estimated 31.5 million by 2029. Here’s what’s powering this expansion: What does this mean for 2026 and beyond? With adoption on pace to nearly triple by the end of the decade, we’re entering a phase where we can expect greater efficiency, safety, and compliance, ultimately leading to improved data-driven decisions. Will the biggest platforms maintain leadership? How will connectivity costs and…
As 2025 draws to a close, the conversation about infrastructure feels more urgent than ever. Once seen mainly as bridges and roads, infrastructure now spans digital networks, energy grids, water systems, and even the artificial intelligence-fueling data centers transforming economies. A deeper look at where we stand reveals both progress and clear challenges ahead—socially, economically, and technologically. Across sectors—transportation, energy, water, broadband, and more—infrastructure determines how we live, how we work, and how resilient we are. According to the 2025 Infrastructure Report Card from the ASCE (American Society of Civil Engineers) released earlier this year, the overall grade for U.S.…