ABSTRACT
This chapter looks at the external challenge to partnering in the construction industry, based upon a broad notion of “the built environment” and the potential for the industry to better address the issue of client satisfaction in the context of the total physical and economic context of any given building. In order to address what the future holds for partnering in the construction industry, the current position first needs to be considered in the light of the progress that has been made in recent years. The principle is that groups of supply-side companies, experienced in collaborative, integrated team working with each other, form a virtual company on a partnering rather than partnership basis with a commitment to a long-term relationship. Things are changing through framework agreements, partnering contracts and supply chain management thinking. Open-book arrangements are a necessity of partnering, and will provide for transparency of costs and all other risk areas in the design and construction process.
