The Infrastructure 100: World Markets Report, released late in 2014 by KPMG, put the spotlight on infrastructure that the consultancy said “balanced solving problems of society while preparing for demands of the future”.
The total estimated value of the projects was over US$1.73 trillion.
A panel of industry specialists identified the projects showing how governments were coming together with the private sector to overcome funding constraints to finance and build projects that could improve quality of life.
The report looked at infrastructure based on four key markets:
• Mature International Markets (like Australia, Canada, UK);
• Economic Powerhouses (including the US and BRIC countries – Brazil, Russia, India and China);
• Smaller Established Markets (like Chile, Sweden, New Zealand, Korea); and
• Emerging Markets.
The panel selected the final 100 projects, based on:
• Scale – How does the scale of the project relate to similar development in its class?
• Feasibility – Is the project plan feasible and sustainable?
• Complexity – How challenging or complex is it to get stakeholder support?
• Innovation – Is there a particular challenge the project overcomes?
• Impact on society – Does it improve quality of life or promote economic growth?
KPMG said many of the projects were designed to drive economic growth by connecting people and resources to global and local markets (40% of projects); others would help provide better access to reliable power and clean water (30% of projects); while others were focused on improving society through factors like healthcare and education.
The report also dealt with affordability concerns and the need for governments to make difficult choices about where to spend at a time when funding was in short supply.
“Each country has its own approach to developing and funding infrastructure, yet all share the universal challenge of creating the right conditions to attract investment so desperately needed,” said James Stewart, KPMG’s Chairman of Global Infrastructure.
“Private capital continues to play a critical role, but investors need economic and political stability before committing.”