EIC publishes Position Paper on Collaborative Delivery Models
In April 2026, European International Contractors (EIC) published its new Position Paper on Collaborative Delivery Models (CDM), setting out a clear vision for modernising infrastructure procurement and delivery in Europe and internationally. The paper, developed within the EIC Working Group chaired by EIC President Gustavo Martínez, reflects growing recognition across the industry that traditional procurement approaches are no longer sufficient to deliver complex, high-quality and sustainable infrastructure projects.
Against the backdrop of increasing project complexity, tighter fiscal constraints and the need to accelerate the green and digital transition, the Position Paper highlights how collaborative approaches can improve outcomes by aligning incentives, strengthening risk-sharing mechanisms and fostering innovation throughout the project lifecycle.
At its core, the paper advocates a decisive shift away from fragmented, lowest-price procurement models towards integrated and partnership-based delivery approaches. Collaborative Delivery Models, such as alliancing, early contractor involvement (ECI), and other forms of integrated project delivery, enable clients, contractors and designers to work together from the outset, thereby reducing inefficiencies, avoiding disputes and improving cost certainty.
Drawing on a broad range of international case studies, the Position Paper demonstrates that projects delivered under collaborative frameworks consistently achieve better results in terms of cost control, time performance, quality and sustainability. At the same time, such models create the conditions for innovation by encouraging early engagement, transparent communication and joint problem-solving between all project stakeholders.
A key message of the paper is the need to embed quality-based procurement criteria, including the use of the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT), as a standard approach. This aligns closely with EIC’s longstanding advocacy for moving beyond purely price-driven tendering, particularly in international markets where European contractors face increasing competitive pressures.
The Position Paper also underlines the importance of appropriate risk allocation. Rather than transferring disproportionate risks to contractors -often resulting in higher prices or project delays -CDM promote a balanced distribution of risks, enabling more resilient and bankable projects. This is particularly relevant for large-scale infrastructure investments supported by Multilateral Development Banks and public authorities.
Furthermore, the document highlights the enabling role of digitalisation and data-driven tools, which are essential for effective collaboration across the project lifecycle. From design and planning to construction and operation, digital solutions can enhance transparency, coordination and overall project performance.
With this publication, EIC positions Collaborative Delivery Models as a practical and scalable solution to address current challenges in the construction sector. The paper is intended as a working document, inviting feedback from public clients, international financial institutions and industry stakeholders to further refine and expand best practices.
EIC will support the dissemination of the Position Paper through a dedicated series of webinars and stakeholder engagements in the coming months, fostering dialogue on how to implement collaborative approaches more widely in both European and international infrastructure projects.
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