The Portuguese Association of Construction Material Traders (APCMC) has initiated the Next Generation MC project to prepare the sector for digitalization and innovation, which are expected to have economic, social, and housing cost-reduction impacts.
“Beyond the economic dimension, the importance of digitalizing construction will also have social impacts, as it contributes to improving working conditions across various professions and enhancing salary values while reducing construction costs, making housing more affordable,” stated APCMC’s Secretary-General, José de Matos, in a press release.
The Next Generation MC project aims to equip traders to tackle business transformation challenges, including digitalization, innovation in logistics processes, and meeting sustainability objectives, particularly in the environmental domain.
The initial step involves developing a Strategic Plan for the Construction Sector Beyond 2030, engaging APCMC’s roughly 260 members and consulting multiple entities and personalities connected to academia and the construction sector, both nationally and across Europe.
Named Next Generation MC: Building a Sustainable Future in Construction Materials, the project is funded through the Compete 2030 program—ERDF (European Regional Development Fund) with a total eligible cost of approximately 291,000 euros and an incentive of 247,375 euros.
The project commenced on March 10 of this year and is scheduled to conclude in March 2027.
