2025 Emerging Trends in Infrastructure and Transport: The Great Reset

KPMG has released a new edition of its Emerging Trends in Infrastructure and Transport report. The Great Reset provides critical insights for policy makers, investors and infrastructure executives who are navigating the complexities of the current global landscape, which is posing new challenges for island infrastructure.

Island jurisdictions have always faced a distinct set of infrastructure challenges. In 2025, these challenges are sharpening - but so too are the opportunities.

Small island nations are navigating a complex interplay of climate volatility, constrained government budgets and lack of resources, changing demographics, dependence on imported food and other essential goods, and global shifts in trade and economics. Resilience, adaptability and long-term thinking are no longer optional — they are essential.

The report gathers insights from global infrastructure leaders, together with insights from KPMG’s international team of professionals working with clients in the infrastructure, transport and healthcare sectors.

Ten emerging trends for 2025

1. Funding: The great privatisation

As governments around the world are trying to balance a range of funding priorities, demand for new and more resilient infrastructure is climbing. Finding solutions to close the funding gap is a priority.

2. Supply chain: In search of standards

A lack of supply chain standards is driving up costs and undermining efficiency - both are detrimental to the environment.

3. Sustainability: Fixing the missing middle

Sustainability has moved from a matter of principle into – simply – good business sense. Now the big challenge is closing the ‘missing middle’ between action and ambition.

4. Digitisation: Seeing value from digital twins

People have been talking about digital twins for decades. Finally, the pieces are in place to turn models into value.

5. New asset classes: Smarter infrastructure requires smarter strategies

As infrastructure assets get smarter, a more dynamic approach to asset management is needed.

6. Construction: Innovation unlocked

Asset owners and operators need to reassess their assumptions about the health and longevity of their portfolios.

7. Resilience: Complacency will likely lead to catastrophe

Asset owners and operators need to reassess their assumptions about the health and longevity of their portfolios.

8. Capacity: Delivering the pipeline

Delivering the future infrastructure pipeline will require a complete reset of global construction and delivery capabilities.

9. Energy transition: Prioritising pragmatism

The energy transition is entering a new phase driven by economic pragmatism.

10. Shipping: Has the party ended?

The past four years have been a bonanza for global shipping lines and their investors. Has the party ended?

We can help

At KPMG, our globally connected network of infrastructure and transport professionals are dedicated to helping public and private sector organisations make confident decisions in the face of uncertainty and complexity.

From strategy through to execution and implementation, our people work with clients to help them achieve their objectives – efficiently and effectively.

Download the full report to learn more about the trends for 2025 or contact us at KPMG.