Podcast • Industry Analysis •

Perspectives from 25 Years of Research & Why Construction Has a Marketing Problem

Site Steer

07 May 2025 — 1 min read

We had the honour to kickstart our podcasting carrier with a very insightful conversation with Gerard de Valence, an economist with 25 years of extensive experience research in the economics of the construction industry.

During our conversation we explore the complexities of construction, the perception of innovation within the sector, and the role of AI in transforming the industry. Gerard highlights the barriers to innovation, the importance of effective labeling and marketing, and the challenges of data privacy and responsibility in AI applications. We also explore the changing landscape of expertise in construction, the need for better measurement of productivity, and the necessity for targeted policies to address the unique challenges faced by different sectors within the construction industry.

This conversation re-emphasized with us how construction has a marketing problem, for example in downplaying it's achievements as an innovation driver, it's attractiveness as an attractive career path, or as Gerard puts it in the perpetuation of the 'false myth' of the productivity curve staying flat.

We sincerely thank Gerard for this engaging conversation. We recommend you also checkout his substack https://gerarddevalence.substack.com/ where he continues his deep dives into the economics of construction.

If you prefer you can also listen to our conversation on spotify!

Cheers,

Site Steer Team

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