A fragmented picture

In a sector still feeling the effects of the economic crisis, the companies that succeed are those that embrace innovation, invest in new technologies and explore new models for business and fundraising.

The long and deep downturn in construction activity was widespread within the EU, with almost every member state experiencing at least two years of contraction in construction output following the financial crisis. While some member states are now experiencing expansion within the sector, the macroeconomic recovery appears to be driven by external factors rather than a major rebound of private investment, and there is a wide variation in performance among member states. Similarly, the manufacturing sector includes a vast range of activities and production techniques, so indicators of its performance are effectively an average across very different activities all hands to the pumps.

Sector at a glance

• €8.4tn – The amount manufacturing contributes to the global economy
• 24% of manufacturing and engineering companies use IT data to help drive the business
• 30 million – The number of people who work in manufacturing in the EU

Fixing the funding ladder

> Read what Emma Marcegaglia, President of BUSINESSEUROPE has to say on the importance of funding to create high-growth businesses.