The latest seminar in the CIB President’s seminar series 4 is with Don Ward, CIB Chief Executive on Global trends in Construction and Research on 22nd November 2024.
Abstract
Everywhere in the world the construction (AEC) and built environment industry faces huge challenges of an economic, social and environmental nature. These challenges and the responses of governments and the industry have much in common, and research and innovation in the sector feels more important than ever to address the challenges which include climate change, societal health and well-being, new ways of working, and productivity improvement.
Everywhere we need a high quality, resilient and sustainable built environment, in operation as well as design and construction. If our industry can address these challenges, which are complex ‘wicked’ problems usually requiring multidisciplinary research to provide the evidence base for new ideas, and position itself as a major partner in the solutions then there are exciting and prosperous times ahead.
Around the world the agenda for change and sector initiatives for improvement in our industry’s performance include digital technology, offsite/premanufactured solutions, health and well-being, and environmental sustainability. This lecture will look at some of these initiatives and invite attendees to consider where improvement is needed most and how this might be achieved.
The global nature of this agenda points to the value of the CIB as the global research network, providing the ability to tap into the global network of researchers and collaborate for greater success. There is also an important role for CIB in enhancing the reputation and the profile of research, and we need to close the perceived gap between academia, practitioners and policymakers.
Biography
Don Ward has been Chief Executive of the CIB for over four years. The CIB is a not-for-profit NGO established in 1953 with the support of the United Nations. It is the world’s foremost platform for international cooperation and information exchange in construction and built environment research and innovation.
Don was previously chief executive of the UK best practice and knowledge transfer organization
Constructing Excellence for 12 years, and its international arm for 5 years which included two years based in the Middle East. Other CEO roles have included the European Construction Institute (2017-19), Design Build Foundation and Be (2001-2006) and the Construction Industry Board (1996-2001). His early career was at the UK’s Building Research Establishment (BRE) where he led work on energy efficiency in housing.
Don has 40 years’ experience of innovation and best practice in the built environment sector, specializing in policy making, industry change, strategic procurement, supply chain integration, collaborative working and sustainability in housing, buildings and infrastructure. He has provided strategic advice at government and sector level in over 30 different countries.
How to join
The seminar is held at 11:30-12:30 Eastern Time (GMT-4) on 22nd November and can be joined through this link
Recordings of the President’s seminar series 3 can be viewed here.
