In this session we will explore how geopolitics is shaping the engineering and construction sector.  Firms that once operated in a relatively predictable global environment now face heightened political, economic and security complexity. By the end of the session we hope to understand how firms that adapt fastest – by strengthening risk analysis, localising operations and integrating security and sustainability – are positioned to thrive.

We will debate:

1) Supply chain disruption and cost volatility
How are Geopolitical tensions disrupt supply chains for steel, cement, electronics and energy systems.  Will we need to redesign projects around alternative materials or suppliers.  Will we experience event longer project timelines and increased contingency planning? Will there be even greater demand for resilient infrastructure design?

2) Shifting energy and net-zero strategies
Energy geopolitics, particularly around gas pipelines, rare earths and renewables are forcing countries to revise security strategies.  Will this mean a surge in demand for renewable energy engineering, grid modernisation and energy efficiency programmes?  Will there be more government-funded domestic energy projects (hydrogen, small modular reactors, battery manufacturing). Will permitting become more complex due to national security concerns around foreign contractors?

3) The rise of infrastructure nationalism
Countries are increasingly prioritising local firms, local labour and domestic technology.  Will it become harder for global/international firms to win government contracts? Will we need to joint venture more, with local partnerships and in-country teams? How will this impact critical national infrastructure (water, transport, energy grids),the scrutiny of data flows, intellectual property and cybersecurity?  And, what will be the labour implications?

How does all of the above impact project finance, standards and business models?

Session Chair: William Cox, former CEO Aurecon, Australia