Encouraging Research and Development in Construction Companies

Abstract

Governments around the world are seeking to transfer their traditional responsibility for research and development to the private sector. This paper investigates the factors that will impede the effectiveness of privately funded research and development in the construction industry. It concludes that the construction industry is skeptical of the process and ill-equipped to undertake it. Recommendations are made to help private firms adapt to their new role and benefit from it. These relate to issues of strategy, organizational culture, procurement, contractual practices, and interorganizational alliances.