AI infrastructure drives global construction job creation

Turner & Townsend has published a new global construction market intelligence report on AI infrastructure demand, with data centers identified as the most in-demand and most constrained construction sector globally.

• The report says AI-driven demand is squeezing global construction market capacity, with data centers leading demand across the 112 markets analysed and 70%+ of markets reporting tightening or overstretched contractor capacity.
• It also states construction cost inflation is expected to rise from 4.2% in 2025 to 4.5% in 2026, while labour shortages are most acute in Australia and New Zealand and MEP shortages are reported in 87% of markets.
• The release quotes Stephanie Marshall, Managing Director, Real Estate Cost Management at Turner & Townsend, on uneven demand, labour constraints, and the need for clients with global portfolios to prioritise projects based on local conditions.