Analysis of Construction Innovation Process at Project Level

Abstract

In the construction sector, innovation is cocreated in a multiparty environment and shaped by the requirements of the project. Therefore, the analysis of innovation at the project level is essential. This research investigates the innovation process in construction projects. It proposes a framework to explore various components of innovation, including the drivers, inputs, enablers, barriers, innovative activities, benefits, and impacts. The framework is employed in four case studies concerning award winning projects in the UK. The primary source of product, process, and organizational innovations in these cases has been agendas driven by environmental sustainability. Collaborative working among team members and strong commitment proved to be the primary enablers of innovation; reluctance, inexperience, and cost were regarded as barriers to innovation. This study helps to develop a better understanding of the interorganizational nature of construction innovations, thereby improving innovation performance. The developed framework is expected to be applicable to other project-based environments.