The FMI NRCI has once again inched higher into positive territory with a score of 65.8, a gain of just 0.9 points over last quarter’s results. Once again, almost every component of the NRCI index improved over last quarter. The only exception is productivity, which slipped 1.7 points.

Two big questions for NRCI panelists that are directly related to dealing with the recovery are how to improve productivity and where to find qualified personnel. Both these issues call for new ideas, innovations and R&D. That is why FMI's focus for the Current Issues section this quarter is R&D. What makes this an important issue for the construction industry?