oad infrastructure projects 1057 17–19 May 2018, Zadar, Croatia 5 th International Conference on Road and Rail Infrastructure and technologies used in civil infrastructure Dubravka Bjegović, Nina Štirmer University of Zagreb, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Croatia Abstract The end of the previous and the beginning of the current century have witnessed the in- vestment of considerable funds into the research in construction industry with the aim of improving and modernising the profession so that it becomes environmentally sustainable. The paper gives examples of the use of 3D technology in printing concrete for infrastructure facilities in Europe and the world. The examples of innovative solutions in infrastructure fa- cilities have been listed, such as the use of nanoengineering and multifunctional composite materials with superior mechanical properties and durability. Road safety, durability, profi- tability and sustainability can be improved by using nanotechnology and nanomaterials. The paper also brings the examples of trial segments of smart and solar roads and highways, as well as kinetic roads in Europe, China and USA. Keywords: 3D printing, nanoengineering, smart road, solar road, kinetic road 1 Introduction Globalisation processes, the emergence of the world market, the concern about the envi- ronment and the wish to fulfil the requirements for sustainable development have encoura- ged the need to invest into research in the field of civil engineering, too. In that, the coope- ration between commercial companies and scientific research sector ensures the creation of new solutions which correspond to market needs. In this way the new knowledge turns into economic advantage. Because of the competition, innovation enables construction compa- nies to grow. Growth is not only necessary for individual construction companies but also for the entire construction industry, which would be a driving force of the entire economy. Considering the competitiveness of construction companies and the economy as a whole, it is of crucial importance to promote and invest in innovation. Blayse i Manley [1] conclude that also in the past innovation was one of the sources of productivity and economy. Integrated approach, within the basic factors and a number of relevant elements, is essential for the successful implementation of innovation in a construction company [2]. When implementing innovation in construction industry by using digital technology it is important to know which factors will influence innovation [3] and determine the competitive advantages of the com- pany applying them. This paper gives an overview of the application of 3 D technology in printing concrete for infrastructure facilities in Europe and the world, it gives the examples of innovative solutions offered by nanoengineering and multifunctional composite materials with superior mecha- nical properties and durability, and gives the examples of trial segments of smart and solar roads and highways in Europe, China and USA. DOI:  https://doi.org/10.5592/CO/cetra.2018.944