Introducing New Process Technologies into Construction Companies

Abstract

The words innovation and technology are considered by many as “not applicable” to the construction industry. Yet when defined in simple terms, they very much apply to every construction company. A new technology is a product or process that a company has not previously used in its operation. Innovation is seeking, recognizing, and implementing a new technology to improve the functions a company is performing. With such definitions in mind, this paper develops a set of guidelines for contractors to successfully introduce new technologies. The present state of innovation in the construction industry and several existing models of innovation are described. Based on this review, a set of questions is developed and used to examine the conditions surrounding six case studies of successful introductions of new technologies. Based on these findings, a process for implementing innovation is proposed and applied to both small and large contractors. Several characteristics of innovative companies are described. Guidelines for the industry to foster innovation is followed by an example of a university‐industry collaborative partnership.