This issue captures how built infrastructure demands are intricately and globally linked to data and digital aspects. The issue starts by underpinning the needs of infrastructure for growth (Khaki and Cash, 2026). However, delivery of such infrastructure often poses key obstacles in terms of time, cost and quality. Jadidoleslami et al. (2026) demonstrate how such factors can be systematically handled as an integral part of project management. Jiang et al. (2026) show at an urban renewal level how city information modelling can make urban spaces liveable, green, resilient, smart and cultural and how sensing and monitoring frameworks can play a key role in it.
Subsequently, a number of works investigate a number of built infrastructure sectors. Chen (2026) highlights how data analytics can be helpful in establishing the water demand for fire, while Lan (2026) focuses on how BIM modelling and operation & maintenance management of large-scale bridges can be helpful. The impact of such a data-driven approach can be equally relevant for underserved areas. Myakala et al. (2026) investigated how sustainable pavement maintenance treatment options for low-volume rural roads can be made fundamental to efficient strategies.
Morshed (2026) highlight the ability of digital twins to influence such projects, and emphasizes this in the context of Gulf Co-operation Council infrastructure. How such a vision can be translated to real projects is shown by Saback et al. (2026) through a case study of a reinforced concrete chimney in Sweden.
Finally, Bondinuba et al. (2026) conclude the issue with their commentary on a particularly important human factor which can defeat excellence in engineering, technology and data science – corruption.
As built infrastructure lifelines degrade and become exposed relentlessly to natural and anthropogenic hazards, there is a strong need to listen to the experiences of different countries in terms of how they manage their assets. To this effect, the Editorial Board of INAM is pleased to highlight the article ‘Addressing Extreme Weather in Transportation Asset Management Plans: A US Perspective’ by Lauren Gardner and Mark Abkowitz, which has been awarded the 2026 ICE Publishing Infrastructure Asset Management Prize. Selected in recognition of its exceptional quality and contribution to the infrastructure asset management community, the paper is available free to read for one year as part of the ICE Publishing Awards programme.
Read the article here: Addressing extreme weather in transportation asset management plans: a US perspective | Infrastructure Asset Management | Emerald Publishing.
