From the 2025 ACEC Fall Conference in San Diego, Joe Bates of the ACEC Research Institute discusses the latest economic sentiment rebound, rising concerns about inflation and the firm finances that remain strong.

He previews the Firm of the Future initiative and a comprehensive workforce study showing a persistent talent shortfall—exacerbated by H-1B and visa limits that prevent many international engineering graduates from staying in the U.S.

The episode also covers skills gaps, generational differences, and the role of AI as a productivity tool (not a workforce panacea), plus upcoming research and practical takeaways for firms planning through 2035.