Search results

The emergence of Construction 4.0 technologies provides an impetus for radical change and rejuvenates the interest of stakeholders in addressing long-standing performance issues in the construction sector. However, construction firms struggle to implement Construction 4.0 technologies for performance measurement and improvement. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to develop a conceptual model of innovation management for implementing Construction 4.0 that guides and facilitates the strategic transformation of construction firms.

A conceptual model of innovation management is presented, and the findings are synthesised based on a literature review, 20 semi-structured interviews, two focus group discussions, three workshops, expert consultation and observations on three digitally-enabled projects. Data were inductively analysed using thematic analysis.

The analysis of empirical data revealed: (i) Four scenarios that could lead the industry to different futures, based on the extent of research and development, and the extent of integration/collaboration; (ii) Construction 4.0 capability stages for a sustained implementation route; (iii) Possible business model configurations derived from servitisation strategies; and (iv) Skills management challenges for organisations.

First, the empirical data was only collected in the UK with its unique industry context, which may limit the applicability of the results. Second, most of the research data comes from the private sector, without the views of public sector organisations. Third, the model needs to be further validated with specific data-driven use cases to address productivity and sustainability issues.

Successful Construction 4.0 transformation requires a concerted effort of stakeholders, including those in the supply chain, technology companies, innovation networks and government. Although a stakeholder’s action would depend on others’ actions, each stakeholder should undertake action that can influence the factors within their control (such as the extent of collaboration and investment) and the outcomes.

The conceptual model brings together and establishes the relationships between the scenarios, Construction 4.0 capability stages, business models and skills management. It provides the first step that guides the fuzzy front-end of Construction 4.0 implementation, underpins the transformation to the desired future and builds long-term innovation capabilities.

The current understanding of building information modelling (BIM) adoption often neglects the industry context in which BIM is deployed. This is particularly problematic when policymakers are planning to enact top-down policies to promote BIM adoption in public-funded construction. Therefore, the aim of this study is to establish the industry-level factors that constraint or enable actors' intention to adopt BIM.

Using institutional theory with an emphasis on the cultural-cognitive elements, the authors aim to complement the understanding of BIM adoption by incorporating institutional elements into the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT). The cultural-cognitive elements were extracted from focus groups and interviews with architecture, construction and engineering (AEC) professionals in Peru. A modified UTAUT was empirically tested using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modelling (SEM) with a dataset from 171 questionnaire responses.

The industry characteristics, standardisation, affordability and technology/methodology definition of BIM were found to be the cultural-cognitive elements having direct effects on individual reactions to BIM. These findings suggest that BIM adoption policies should focus on designing incentives schemes, training/educating professionals on BIM collaborative processes and developing/adapting applicable standards. However, a BIM adoption mandate would require policymakers to create collaborative procurement environments in tandem with information management and process standards.

Findings can be used by policymakers to significantly promote BIM adoption in contexts without a government mandate for public sector construction.

The study of institutional elements on BIM adoption is still limited. This study provides empirical evidence on how the cultural-cognitive elements of the industry context are associated with actors' intention to adopt BIM. Therefore, this study bridges industry and individual levels of analysis. Furthermore, this study enables policymakers to initiate actions that significantly encourage BIM adoption.