Consulting | 04 Sep 2017

Global Infrastructure Outlook

Macro Consulting Team

Oxford Economics

A well-functioning, modern infrastructure is central to economic development and to quality of life. From the roads and railways needed to transport people and goods, to the power plants and communications networks that underpin economic and household activity, to the basic human need for clean water and sanitation, infrastructure matters to people and businesses everywhere.

However, there have been relatively few attempts to track and monitor infrastructure investment across countries and sectors. This has made it difficult to predict how, where and when investment is most needed. 

Over the last year or so we have been working with the Global Infrastructure Hub to address this knowledge gap. Our study seeks to estimate how much the world needs to spend on infrastructure in the years to 2040, and in which countries and sectors this investment will be required. The granularity the study provides is unique: it collates data and creates forecasts for seven sectors in 50 countries, over a period of 25 years.

We estimate global infrastructure investment needs to be $94 trillion between 2016 and 2040. This is 19 percent higher than would be delivered under current trends, and is an average of $3.7 trillion per year. To meet this investment need, the world will need to increase the proportion of GDP it dedicates to infrastructure to 3.5 percent, compared to the 3.0 percent expected under current trends.

About the team

Our macro consulting team are world leaders in quantitative economic analysis, working with clients around the globe and across sectors to build models, forecast markets and evaluate interventions using state-of-the art techniques. Lead consultants on this project were:

Related Services

Post

The economic impact of abandoning the WTO

Oxford Economics have been commissioned by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) to provide an independent assessment of the economic impact of WTO dissolution. This report details our findings and the assumptions underpinning our analysis.

Find Out More

Post

The economic impact of the sports activities of public service media

This study shows how the sports activities of public service media supported €4.5 billion of GDP and 57,000 jobs across 31 European countries in 2022. The report also highlights wider economic benefits of public service media sports coverage, such as the way in which it leverages sponsorship income for sports bodies.

Find Out More

Post

Global Trade Education: The role of private philanthropy

Global trade can amplify economic development and poverty alleviation. Capable leaders are required to put in place enabling conditions for trade, but currently these skills are underprovided in developing countries. For philanthropists, investing in trade leadership talent through graduate-level scholarships is an opportunity to make meaningful contributions that can multiply and sustain global economic development.

Find Out More