Technology and Competitive Advantage in Civil Engineering

Abstract

At present at least three driving forces in construction markets indicate the increasing importance of advanced technology: the technical complexity of constructed facilities is increasing, owners faced with increasing international competition are demanding more of designers and constructors, and the size, diversity, and state of technology in the U.S. construction market are making it increasingly attractive for foreign competitors. To help prepare for the changes that these forces will bring about, the present paper describes how advanced technology can bring about competitive advantage in design and construction firms. An overview of competition in the construction industry is given and strategies for technology‐based competitive advantage in design and construction are proposed. The strategies are: “not proud,” “efficiency expert,” construction R&D heresy, “work smarter,” forward technical integration, and backward technical integration. The strategies lead to conclusions concerning changes in the structure of the profession, shifts in the division of responsibility, changes in the performance of design and construction, and altered qualifications for successful careers in civil engineering.