Built assets in 30 countries generated $27.1 trillion in global income to the world's gross domestic product, according to a study released May 14, which says the nations studied make up 82% of global GDP.
The research—which tracked income generated by buildings, infrastructure and other fixed assets—notes that the dollar total amounted to 40% of GDP, on average, in the countries studied, which are both developed and emerging economies.
The Global Built Asset Performance Index was developed by Netherlands-based consulting company ARCADIS in partnership with the Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR), an independent economic forecasting firm based in London.
Study authors say the research for the first time breaks down the asset contribution country-by-country. It is a follow-on analysis to the Global Built Asset Wealth Index, which ARCADIS and CEBR produced last year to quantify the value of built-asset stock.
That analysis showed the U.S. leading the world in value of its built assets, with China running a close second.