INFRASTRUCTURE VISION 2050

Infrastructure Vision 2050 is a high-level, thought leadership policy initiative focused on crafting and supporting the implementation of a long-term, national vision for U.S. infrastructure. Since 2014, Infrastructure Vision 2050 (IV2050) has developed innovative, transformative solutions to our country’s infrastructure needs. IV2050 is guided by a dedicated AEM Task Force of volunteer executive leaders from the association’s member companies representing the construction, agriculture, and utility sectors.

The initiative’s objectives are to:

  • Inspire and craft a long-term vision for U.S. infrastructure by providing a platform for high-level thought leaders to contribute to, and advocate, for its development
  • Make transformative recommendations that address our infrastructure challenges based on innovative technology and approaches
  • Channel the interest and support generated by these recommendations and this campaign into an actionable set of policy proposals

To learn more about the initiative or to book a Task Force member for a speaking engagement, email us at IV2050@AEM.org.

Rebuild With Purpose

Investing in America’s infrastructure is always an optimistic choice. It reflects a collective belief that we, the people, can pool our resources together to grow our businesses, to improve our quality of life, and protect our environment for the generations to follow. The United States was built for optimistic choices and it’s time to rebuild. Equipment manufacturers, and the industry’s 2.8 million men and women, are already leading the way to build a forward-looking national vision for American infrastructure. Thanks to critical funding provided by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, the Brookings Institution recently published a report that outlines the opportunities, challenges and national policy recommendations needed to revitalize the infrastructure systems that move the American economy.

To learn more about the report, visit www.IV2050.org.

Past Events

Bloomberg NEXT Infrastructure Event

AEM sponsored a Bloomberg Government event in Washington, DC in June 2017. Topcon Positioning Systems President Ray O’Connor and AEM President Dennis Slater participated in a discussion about the future of infrastructure and innovation that also included former Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood, as well as officials from Verizon and QualComm.

Bloomberg Government NEXT Infrastructure - Smart Infrastructure and Global Advantage from Bloomberg Government.

Infrastructure Week 2017: Rural Broadband Capitol Hill Briefing

As part of its ongoing support of Infrastructure Week, AEM’s Infrastructure Vision 2050 hosted a briefing for Capitol Hill staff and the broader infrastructure policy community in May about the importance of greater investment in rural broadband infrastructure. Participants included Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey, HammerHead Trenchless Equipment President Kevin Smith, and Deere & Co. Spectrum Advocacy Manager Mark Lewellen. View Now

Infrastructure Vision 2050 Challenge Finale at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2017

AEM’s year-long incentivized competition, the Infrastructure Vision 2050 Challenge, culminated at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2017 in Las Vegas, NV with a finale event. Five finalists pitched their visions for the future of U.S. transportation infrastructure in front of a panel of judges and a live audience. Their ideas were also featured within the show’s new Tech Experience pavilion. View Now

Infrastructure Vision 2050 Rural Infrastructure Panel

AEM’s Infrastructure Vision 2050 hosted an Executive Ag Panel Discussion in Louisville at National Farm Machinery Show in February 2017. Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture Ryan Quarles delivered keynote remarks followed by a panel discussion featuring Leif Magnusson, president of CLAAS Global Sales America and chair of the Infrastructure Vision 2050 initiative, Jason Andringa, president and CEO of Vermeer Corporation and vice-chair of the Infrastructure Vision 2050 initiative, Zippy Duvall, president of the American Farm Bureau Federation, and Jamie L. Palmer, senior policy analyst at Indiana University’s Public Policy Institute. It was moderated by the co-host of This Week in Agribusiness, Max Armstrong. View Now

AEM and Agri-Pulse Present the Rural Infrastructure Summit

AEM's Rural Infrastructure Summit brought together a diverse group of stakeholders to discuss the needs, challenges and opportunities for U.S. infrastructure as it relates to the future of the agriculture economy and rural communities. Summit participants emphasized that innovation and technology will be key to developing a long-term national plan. View Now

Capitol Hill Roundtable Discussion

AEM’s Infrastructure Vision 2050 initiative convened a high-level discussion on the future of infrastructure featuring U.S. Congressman and Infrastructure Week Co-Chair Garret Graves (R-La.), Kansas City, Missouri Mayor Sly James, AEM Director and Kennametal CEO Ron De Feo and other top representatives from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Siemens Corporation and The Futures Lab on May 17, 2016. View Now

Mobility 2050 Symposium: A Vision for Transportation Infrastructure

Mobility 2050, an in-depth study on future trends and opportunities, was unveiled during a symposium hosted by AEM and Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois on May 23, 2016. The keynote address was delivered by U.S. Department of Transportation Deputy Secretary Victor Mendez. The symposium also featured remarks from several national and state transportation thought leaders and policymakers, including, Kennametal CEO Ron De Feo and HUSCO International President & CEO Austin Ramirez. View Now

PAST RESEARCH

The U.S. Infrastructure Advantage™

Infrastructure is the backbone of America’s economy. To have the strongest economy in the world, America must have the best infrastructure in the world. It is time to reclaim our Infrastructure Advantage. AEM and equipment manufacturers have put together a set of policy recommendations for doing just that. Download The U.S. Infrastructure Advantage™. 

Download fact sheets about the U.S. infrastructure advantage™

Mobility 2050: A Vision for Transportation Infrastructure

Mobility 2050: A Vision for Transportation Infrastructure was prepared for the Association of Equipment Manufacturers by the Transportation Center, Northwestern University. Supported by a grant from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, Northwestern University’s Transportation Center undertook an exploration of the factors, needs, and opportunities facing U.S. transportation infrastructure in the next 35 years. The objective of the study was not to forecast the future, but to frame the possibilities and thus to inform the public and policymakers about future needs for transportation infrastructure.