Economic Contributions of the Construction Sector: A Comparative Analysis of Workforce and Financing Factors Across Regions

11 pages•Published: July 23, 2025

John Annor, Francois Jacobs, Ahmed Abdelaty and Theodore Haupt

Abstract

This study conducts a comparative analysis of the economic contributions of the construction sector across high-, upper-middle-, lower-middle-, and low-income countries from 2012 to 2022, focusing on GDP contributions and employment trends. Using data from the World Bank, IMF, and ILO, the analysis highlights significant disparities between income groups. Lower-middle-income and low-income countries show higher GDP contributions (6.4% each) and employment rates, emphasizing the sector’s critical role in economic growth and job creation. However, these regions face challenges, including financial volatility and limited workforce development. In contrast, high-income countries exhibit stable GDP contributions (5.4%) and employment (7%) due to diversified economies and robust training systems. Upper-middle-income countries experience transitional trends, reflecting economic shifts. The study underscores the importance of region-specific policies to stabilize growth, improve workforce skills, and expand financing channels to maximize the construction sector's impact, particularly in developing regions.

Keyphrases: construction sector, employment trends, gdp contribution, income classification, workforce development

In: Wesley Collins, Anthony J. Perrenoud and John Posillico (editors). Proceedings of Associated Schools of Construction 61st Annual International Conference, vol 6, pages 643-653.

Links:	https://easychair.org/publications/paper/d5rM
	https://doi.org/10.29007/j1j9

BibTeX entry

@inproceedings{ASC2025:Economic_Contributions_Construction_Sector,
  author    = {John Annor and Francois Jacobs and Ahmed Abdelaty and Theodore Haupt},
  title     = {Economic Contributions of the Construction Sector: A Comparative Analysis of Workforce and Financing Factors Across Regions},
  booktitle = {Proceedings of Associated Schools of Construction 61st Annual International Conference},
  editor    = {Wesley Collins and Anthony J. Perrenoud and John Posillico},
  series    = {EPiC Series in Built Environment},
  volume    = {6},
  publisher = {EasyChair},
  bibsource = {EasyChair, https://easychair.org},
  issn      = {2632-881X},
  url       = {/publications/paper/d5rM},
  doi       = {10.29007/j1j9},
  pages     = {643-653},
  year      = {2025}}

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