Expanding Collaboration in Academia: Case Study of the Development of Construction Products

Abstract

Much of the twentieth century featured construction projects in the built environment developed through significant specialization within design and construction sectors. Several different project delivery schemes have evolved in the last quarter century that focused on a collaborative approach. In academia, this parallel shift toward collaboration has been slower, but students (and faculty) are beginning to learn to value their counterparts’ perspective. This case study explores a new way that collaborative academic efforts can be expanded beyond the constructor—architect paradigm. Focused on the improvement of productivity and safety in construction, an ongoing 5-year effort between programs in construction management and industrial design at a major U.S. university produces new construction products and tools. The study explores the iterative development of the program, investigates the process employed, and details how collaboration in academia can play a role in the improvement of tactile construction processes, and in doing so, create intellectual property (IP) and the potential for licensure. In addition to IP, the program has produced extensive research opportunities for faculty, expanded relationships with industry partners, and provided validation of the research through the patenting of products.