Management of assets throughout their life cycle

Infrastructure assets shape economies and communities for decades, making their effective management essential. This paper explores how governments can better manage infrastructure assets across their entire life cycle – from planning and construction to operation, maintenance and end-of-life – to ensure they deliver value for money and remain resilient in the face of growing pressures, including climate-related risks. Drawing on the OECD Infrastructure Governance Indicator on asset management and examples of good practice in OECD Member countries and beyond, the paper highlights the governance foundations that support strong asset performance. It looks at how clear policies and tools, well-defined roles and skills, and robust financial practices help decision makers understand asset condition, performance and long-term costs. While many OECD countries show solid practices in financial management, the analysis points to opportunities to strengthen approaches to asset planning, accountability and professional capacity. By focusing on whole-of-life performance, this paper supports policy makers, infrastructure authorities and public finance practitioners seeking to maximise the long-term benefits of infrastructure investments and strengthen economic and social resilience.