EIB - Economisch Instituut voor de Bouwnijverheid

Mail: ovries@eib.nl
Web: www.eib.nl

INTRODUCTION

The EIB organised the 61st Euroconstruct conference on June 9th, 2006. In the morning session, the prospects for the European construction markets 2006-2008 were presented. On the next page, the prospects for the Dutch construction markets for this period are given. In the afternoon, the focus was on the special topic 'Innovation in the building process: how to improve efficiency?'. On page 3, EIB-research on how to measure process innovation will be at the centre. On this page, some information on the EIB is given.

AIMS

The EIB foundation aims at fostering the knowledge of economic and social questions that are related to, or that are of importance for the Dutch construction industry in an independent and scientific way. EIB work comprises: - scientific research, especially in the area of the construction process and the building markets; - preparation of reports on scientific research, both on own initiative and in response to outside demand.

STATUS

Independent, non-profit making foundation.

ORGANISATION

The governing body of EIB consists of representatives of the employers' organisation and the trade unions in the construction industry and of clients, and is presided by an independent chairman. The main responsibility of the governing body is to safeguard the interests of the Institute and the achievement of its objectives, but without interfering in the scientific research itself. The scientific quality of the institute's research work is ensured by a scientific committee.

STAFF

The EIB has three research departments. The first concentrates on the construction market and housing, the second studies the construction firms and the construction labour market. The third department has both a supporting statistical and a research function. The staff mainly consists of economists, statisticians and sociologists and comprises around 25 people.

FINANCIAL RESOURCES

The institute is partly financed by contributions from the Education and Development fund for the construction industry. Other resources come from funds for special projects and contract research. A relevant share of these commissions originates from the Dutch government.

NEXT:  PROSPECTS FOR THE DUTCH CONSTRUCTION MARKETS 2006-2008

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