A sample of the Competitive Futures STEEP Report on the subject of the future of infrastructure around the world For more check out https://www.competitivefutures.com/data-lab and http://www.ericgarland.co/

1. INFRASTRUCTURE:
Building for Tomorrowʼs Competition

2. THIS MONTH’S ISSUE
Why We chose…
INFRASTRUCTURE
ROME HAD ROADS AND AQUEDUCTS WELL AHEAD OF ANY OF IT’S RIVALS.
ITS EMPIRE TOWERED ABOVE THE WORLD FOR CENTURIES.
The dark ages were ushered in when disorganized peoples from Northern Europe let that infrastructure fall into disrepair. What
followed was centuries of ill health, isolation, ignorance and death.
The fate of our collective industry is about more than the bureaucratic policies of the Department of Public Works, but of our
future prosperity.

3. THIS MONTH’S ISSUE
Why We chose…
INFRASTRUCTURE
As you know from prior STEEP Reports, there are several strategic changes
that await us: from a global talent crunch to urbanization, from immigration
to “clean” industries.
While many pieces are in play, one will greatly control how – and where –
the rest of the chips fall. We’re talking about infrastructure. The physical
capital of bridges, roads, ports, rail, and electrical grids doesn’t just provide
the basic necessities of today, but actually functions as the roots of future
economic productivity.
As such, to understand what will provide the underpinnings of all the other
decisions you will be making, this issue of the Competitive Futures STEEP
Report, studies the major trends in infrastructure around the world.

4. A personal note on
Why We chose…
INFRASTRUCTURE
On July 30, 2007, Competitive Futures president Eric Garland was attending the
international congress of the World Future Society, held in Minneapolis,
Minnesota, USA.
Enjoying the beautiful Midwestern summer nights, he went jogging every
evening over the Hennepin bridge, located next to Interstate 35, which
connects St. Paul and Minneapolis.
The following evening during rush hour, for no apparent reason, the
Interstate 35W bridge collapsed, killing 13 commuters.
A world-class infrastructure has been one of the hallmarks of the
United States’ economy. If this infrastructure is threatened in the
future, its impact will be broad reaching and instructive for
businesses around the world.

5. Today’s success was built on yesterday’s investments.
Tomorrow’s success will depend on what you build TODAY.
The long-term future success of your company may likely depend on
the infrastructural decisions made today.
1. Inform yourself about the state of the infrastructure on
which you depend.
2.Communicate with your government about the need for
infrastructure. It’s the future of their tax base, too.