International trends in building and construction research

The way in which research and technology development is conducted in most industrialized countries is changing dramatically. Major changes include: the development of a partnership between the industry and the research community, internationalization, the stronger emphasis on integrated topics and approaches as opposed to the traditional emphasis on technical research, and the dominant role of electronic communication. On top of that in most industrialized countries there is a growing emphasis on building and construction research and development (R&D) programs on topics related to information technology (IT) and sustainable construction. With the exception of only a small number of research institutes, companies, and universities, it is only very recently that those U.S. organizations active in the field of building and construction R&D have started to strive for a more active role and a more innovative attitude concerning the development of a partnership between industry and the research community, and the development of international collaboration.