As history shows, American enterprise is in constant flux, with developing trends determining new winners and ultimately condemning other companies to extinction unless they tack successfully.

Under current economic circumstances, China, Russia and the Middle East (mainly Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi) should be the frontrunners in spending. Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi are particularly important as they’re building new cities that will require considerable investment in primary infrastructure such as power plants and grids.

The industrialization of the emerging economies, the continuing urbanization process in Asia and higher levels of agricultural production have been drawing down water reserves much faster than they can be replenished. Credible studies have concluded that within the next two generations, water is expected to become the most important commodity in the world, easily surpassing oil.

International developmental agencies estimate that more than USD600 billion will be spent improving living conditions in Asia, home to a third of the world’s population.

China and India are at the forefront of such efforts, with Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam right behind. Roads, railways, airports, power production, electricity supply, clean water and waste management are all on the to-do lists.