Improving the construction industry in declining developing economies

The serious economic difficulties now facing many developing countries pose certain problems to their construction industries that existing theories on their improvement did not consider. This paper reviews the current operating environments of the construction industries and the corresponding responses of their participants. It suggests that the industries need to be rescued and enabled to help in the on-going adjustment of national economies and to develop the capability to adapt to future changes. Emphasis is put on what the industries themselves can do, as experience has shown that it is naive to expect governments (to whom such proposals are often addressed) to shield the industry from the effects of unfavourable economic conditions.