Managing for Increased Design and Construction Innovation

Abstract

Innovation is a growing competitive necessity and management responsibility. This paper describes actions by managers to increase innovation in design and construction firms, based on an investigation of over 20 examples of innovations from the building, heavy, and industrial segments of construction. The critical actions by managers include: maintain a strategic vision of technology, take a broad view of risk, provide technological challenges and leadership, foster unbridled planning, prompt internal and external integration, and formulate and implement technology strategies. The conclusions highlight how managers can make a difference in a firm's ability to innovate and needs for future research.