Key influences on construction innovation

The goal of this paper is to identify the main factors driving or hindering construction innovation. An analysis of the relevant literature indicates there are six primary influences: (i) clients and manufacturers; (ii) the structure of production; (iii) relationships between individuals and firms within the industry and between the industry and external parties; (iv) procurement systems; (v) regulations/standards; and (vi) the nature and quality of organisational resources. Attention to these factors by businesses and public-policy makers would be a key component of effective innovation strategy and policy. Further research is needed, however, to explore the relationships between innovation influences; and between innovation influences and other aspects of business strategy and environment, in the context of broader societal considerations. Further research should also identify quantitative estimates of the impact of innovation on the construction industry

Big data innovation and diffusion in projects teams: Towards a conflict prevention culture

Despite the enormous literature on how team conflicts can be managed and resolved, this study diverges, by examining factors that facilitate conflict prevention culture in project teams, especially when introducing Big Data Technology. Relying on findings from relevant literatures and focus group discussions, 28 attributes for embedding conflict prevention culture were identified and put together in questionnaire survey. Series of statistical tests including reliability analysis and exploratory factor-analysis. The results identified five critical success factors for entrenching the culture of conflict prevention in project teams introducing big data driving innovations. The five-factor solution include “building effective relationship”, “effective project communications”, “project team efficacy”, “pro-active conflict management approach” and “effectual project documentation”. Result of this study presents a Conceptual framework for effective management of human resource in relation to conflict prevention among project teams, as an effective strategy for facilitating seamless adoption and diffusion of big data innovation in organisations

Flexible Graphene Solution-Gated Field-Effect Transistors : Efficient Transducers for Micro-Electrocorticography

Brain-computer interfaces and neural prostheses based on the detection of electrocorticography (ECoG) signals are rapidly growing fields of research. Several technologies are currently competing to be the first to reach the market; however, none of them fulfill yet all the requirements of the ideal interface with neurons. Thanks to its biocompatibility, low dimensionality, mechanical flexibility, and electronic properties, graphene is one of the most promising material candidates for neural interfacing. After discussing the operation of graphene solution-gated field-effect transistors (SGFET) and characterizing their performance in saline solution, it is reported here that this technology is suitable for μ-ECoG recordings through studies of spontaneous slow-wave activity, sensory-evoked responses on the visual and auditory cortices, and synchronous activity in a rat model of epilepsy. An in-depth comparison of the signal-to-noise ratio of graphene SGFETs with that of platinum black electrodes confirms that graphene SGFET technology is approaching the performance of state-of-the art neural technologies

Innovation in the Australian Road Construction Industry - Making Better Use of Resources

The Australian road construction industry, as with its New Zealand counterpart, is often judged by analysts to be relatively inefficient compared to productivity improvements seen in the manufacturing industry. This inefficiency wastes scarce resources and is seen as the result of poor innovation rates. A key obstacle to improved innovation rates in the industry, and hence improved productivity and client satisfaction, is the perception by small and medium-sized firms that innovation is unlikely to be successful. This paper reports on the results of a case study program that sought to demonstrate the benefits of innovation in the industry and the nature of successful implementation processes. The program follows from the success of the Egan Demonstration Projects documented by Rethinking Construction (now Construction Excellence) in the UK, and the associated significant improvement in industry performance in that country. The case study program profiled three innovative projects in the road construction industry. The projects were nominated by partners to the program, who were key public sector clients in the industry. To be selected as a demonstration project, measured benefits from innovation had to be available. This paper reports on the results of the three demonstration case studies: Alliancing on the Port of Brisbane Motorway project; the use of ground penetrating radar to detect defects in bridge beams; and Australia’s first fibre-reinforced polymer bridge deck on the road network. The key findings from the studies are that: the benefits of innovation are significant; clients can play a key role in driving innovation; innovation involving adoption of existing advanced technologies and practices is just as beneficial as original innovation; the type of contract employed on a project can have a profound impact on the opportunities for innovation and the benefits derived; and small local businesses can be technology leaders

Key Influences on Construction Innovation

The goal of this paper is to identify the main factors driving or hindering construction innovation. An analysis of the relevant literature indicates there are six primary influences: (i) clients and manufacturers; (ii) the structure of production; (iii) relationships between individuals and firms within the industry and between the industry and external parties; (iv) procurement systems; (v) regulations/standards; and (vi) the nature and quality of organisational resources. Attention to these factors by businesses and public-policy makers would be a key component of effective innovation strategy and policy. Further research is needed, however, to explore the relationships between innovation influences; and between innovation influences and other aspects of business strategy and environment, in the context of broader societal considerations. Further research should also identify quantitative estimates of the impact of innovation on the construction industry

Demonstrating the Benefits of Construction Innovation

The construction industry needs to achieve greater efficiency and effectiveness. However, change is not readily embraced by the industry. This resistance to change compromises innovation performance, and negatively impacts client and industry goals. One of the key reasons for relatively poor construction industry performance is scepticism about the potential benefits of innovation, particularly among small and medium-sized businesses. This paper investigates the links between innovation and project performance, with a view to demonstrating the benefits that can be achieved. It offers case study evidence of the tangible, monetary benefits of innovation to businesses. The paper is based on innovation case studies in the Australian construction industry undertaken in 2003. It concludes with a discussion of the distribution of innovation benefits and the impact on incentive structures. In future research the results will be interpreted more widely, by undertaking a comprehensive integrative analysis of existing academic literature on construction innovation benefits

Influences on construction innovation : a brief overview of recent literature

This report reviews the most recent literature on construction innovation with the aim of highlighting the primary influences on innovation in the building and construction industry

Implementing Innovation on Commercial Building Projects in Australia

Since the 1950s, economic theory has highlighted the ‘central importance of technological progress for maintaining long-term, continuous increases in real national income per head’ (Hall 2003, 498). Empirical work since that time has reinforced the importance of innovation to industry growth and national economic welfare. Hence, innovation can be considered a key means of improving construction industry performance. Yet, a recent study of efficiency improvement in construction reminds us that the industry has yet to embrace the value of innovation (Yiu et al 2004). That this is particularly so in the Australian context is evidenced by the findings of the recent Cole Royal Commission (2002b). The industry in Australia and globally is slow to embrace change and there are powerful cultural reasons why this is so. The reason addressed by this paper is concern by industry participants about the risks associated with innovation and lack of information about appropriate implementation strategies. In order to improve this situation the key players and dynamics behind successful implementation of innovation are explored here. The paper is based on three innovation case studies in the Australian commercial building industry undertaken in 2003. Each case involves innovation undertaken on a commercial building project by clients, contractors, consultants and/or suppliers. The paper reviews the industry’s performance in Australia, before outlining the methodology and conceptual framework. Data from the case studies is then described and analysed. The evidence presented points to four key participants driving innovation processes; clients, regulators, technical service providers and consultants