Insights for what's next

Explore practical perspectives that turn complex challenges and emerging trends into real-world outcomes.

515 items
Lake George Diversion Dam
Thought Leadership

Advancing nature-based solutions for resilient infrastructure

As the infrastructure sector responds to escalating climate, biodiversity and flood risks, nature positive solutions are becoming central to how resilient systems are planned, designed and delivered. Moving from theory to widespread implementation, however, requires clear pathways that integrate ecological principles with engineering practice. Jacobs is playing an active role in advancing this shift, working alongside government, academia and industry to help translate nature-based concepts into scalable, deliverable infrastructure solutions. By contributing technical expertise and applied experience, we’re strengthening consistency and quality of — and, consequently, confidence in — how natural infrastructure is designed and implemented across river banks and coastal systems. One example is the growing adoption of floodplain benching — reshaping riverbanks to reconnect rivers with their floodplains — as a solution for inland river systems where historical development has constrained natural floodplain function. Well-designed floodplain benches can reduce flood risk while restoring natural processes, improving ecosystem health and enhancing resilience to changing flow and sediment regimes. Integrating these approaches into mainstream engineering practice is critical to addressing long-standing flood and environmental challenges. “The need for progress is enormous as our systems are out of kilter,” says Dr. Todd Bridges, professor of practice at the University of Georgia, founder of Engineering with Nature® and leader of the International Guidelines on Natural and Nature-based Features for Flood Risk Management. “Restoring balance and improving long-term performance requires integrating conventional and nature-based engineering — and accelerating that shift by equipping all stakeholders to deliver 21st-century solutions.” Beyond floodplain restoration, Jacobs’ work

Australia high speed rail corridor
Thought Leadership

The ABC of Australia’s high-speed rail

High‑speed rail is more than a transport project — it reshapes nations, unlocks new housing and industry, and drives low‑carbon mobility for generations. The question for Australia is no longer whether it needs faster, higher-capacity intercity rail, but whether it can define, design and deliver it with confidence. Jacobs draws on experience from major rail and tunneling programs worldwide to inform the pathway forward. From the approvals that build public confidence, to the complex tunneling that pushes engineering boundaries and disciplined project governance that keeps mega‑programs on track — Jacobs brings global insight and local certainty to every stage of high‑speed rail development. Because when nations move faster, communities thrive. When complexity is greatest, certainty matters most. A for approvals — defining the vision and securing buy-in High-speed rail projects fail when approvals precede clarity High-speed rail programs rarely falter because engineering solutions are unavailable — they struggle when scheme definition is unstable at the point of approval. Governments are often asked to commit substantial resources before objectives, benefits and affordable costs are fully aligned. International experience on major programs shows that when benefits, staging and requirements are not clearly defined upfront, cost pressure and political risk quickly follow. Approvals should build confidence by locking in purpose, pathway and end-state early. Avoid commitment to “headlines” like maximum speed or shortest journey time and focus on economic drivers like capacity, connectivity, housing, employment and regeneration. B for boring — tackling tunneling challenges head-on In constrained corridors, tunnel design determines performance, cost

Michael Jamieson
Keoki Sears Q&A
Q&A

Rethinking the legacy of global program management: A Q&A with Keoki Sears

Delivering a program today requires lessons from the past and a keen eye toward the future. Keoki Sears shares his insights from 30 years of multi-billion-dollar program management and leadership. He describes how our track record in teamwork, innovation and talent empowerment delivers more than just a program. How are you solving your client’s biggest challenges? It starts with our strategy, purpose and values, defining who we are and what we want to be. The growth accelerators Jacobs has committed to are the mechanisms that help guide us in the sectors we serve and reflect current global conditions. Our growth accelerators cut across the entire organization, creating connections between the global market trends, our solutions and company purpose. I believe program management is the most powerful vehicle for delivering our strategy. For example, programs allow us to rethink climate resiliency through several projects and programs for the global energy transition, which offer fantastic opportunities for our clients and Jacobs to keep playing a significant role in the climate response. In the programs we deliver, we harness data solutions to help our clients operate more efficiently and unlock better outcomes. It's where we use data and tech-driven insights to make better decisions, digitize more assets, empower more reliable and accurate long-term planning, and better operate the infrastructure of the future. Lastly, we're increasingly experiencing incredible opportunities to get involved earlier in program conceptualization and strategy at the source. In some cases, even before clients have conceived of the need for a

Todd Kremmin
Q&A

Changing the world: How Todd Kremmin accepted the challenge

"Challenge accepted" is a call to action. It's a commitment to growth, innovation, and excellence. It's about pushing boundaries, embracing new ideas and not shying away from obstacles. Our people accept the challenge every single day – and we're showcasing a few of their stories. Today we connected with Todd Kremmin, a data scientist based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to discuss how he and his colleagues are advancing digital transformation through innovative artificial intelligence (AI) solutions.

Urban Sediment Remediation
Thought Leadership

Urban sediment remediation: Six insights for superfund success

Urban sediment remediation projects are arguably the toughest environmental challenges to solve and deliver. This piece distils six proven principles from industry leaders Joe Corrado and Joshua Cummings to reduce risk, limit disruption and transform hazardous sites into lasting community assets.

people walking on crosswalk
Thought Leadership

Move fast, break nothing: Transforming transport without the chaos

As transportation systems shift toward sustainability, the challenge isn’t just about innovation—it’s about ensuring a smooth transition without disruption. Unlike tech startups that thrive on rapid iteration, transportation networks require precision, long-term planning, and careful risk management. This article explores how data-driven strategies, smart risk mitigation and workforce transformation are shaping a new era of transport—one that’s bold, efficient and built to last.

Patrick King
A nighttime aerial view of Gold Coast Australia with a brightly lit skyline
Thought Leadership

Shaping tomorrow: The case for a national settlement plan

As demand for housing, transport and services grows, Australia must move beyond reactive projects. A long-term settlement plan would align population growth with infrastructure investments, ensuring better outcomes nationwide.

View through a woodland
Thought Leadership

Bridging the gap between decarbonization, Net Zero through nature-based solutions

Net zero requires action in two directions. On the one side, organizations must work to significantly reduce the release of emissions. On the other, they must support the removal of continued emissions from the atmosphere once decarbonization measures have been implemented. Nature-based solutions – also known as natural climate solutions - have a significant role to play in achieving net zero, spanning both emission reductions and removals.

Q&A

Why I wear the "J" with Mohammed Al Abdullah

Our culture is what makes working at Jacobs special. There are three integral places where our shared attitudes and behaviors show up – the company's values and practices, your team and network, and your experience day to day. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia-based Mohammed Al Abdullah, strategic consultant and office lead, shares what he loves about Jacobs. How long have you been at Jacobs? I've been with Jacobs for over two years now. Why do you wear the "J?" Each letter in the name "Jacobs" holds a powerful meaning to me: "J" stands for "joy." We bring joy and satisfaction to our clients through innovative solutions. "A" stands for "ambition," reaching new heights and providing exceptional services. "C" stands for "caring" and "compassion," demonstrating empathy and understanding our clients' unique needs. "O" stands for "optimism." We maintain a positive outlook on tackling complex challenges. "B" stands for "bravery," embracing new technologies and ideas with courage. And "S" stands for "strength," creating reliable and robust solutions. All these things are the reasons I wear the "J" each day. What does our culture mean to you? For me, our culture is about the people, our purpose and the progress we're making. It's about bringing your whole self to work in a dynamic environment and contributing to world-class projects. It's about challenging today to reinvent tomorrow. It's about fostering continuous improvement and growth — while embracing our company values and caring for one another as human beings. How do you practice our Culture of Caring

  • Future Foundations

    Co-creating the world to come

    From developing climate resilience and transitioning to a low-carbon future, to modernizing and transforming infrastructure, governments and businesses face critical challenges. How they respond will define our future.

    As our clients navigate these challenges, we help them think differently – working together to pioneer tomorrow's infrastructure solutions and build the foundations for a prosperous, secure future. 

    Visit Future Foundations
    Future-Foundations