Although the role of clients in stimulating construction innovation seems to be controversial,
little has been known about their innovation adoption behaviour. This paper presents first
results of an ongoing research project the aim of which is to shed more light on the adoption
processes of construction clients. We build up a conceptual framework that describes
innovation adoption as a communication process. Furthermore, we highlight and discuss the
main findings of a case about the adoption of a temporary construction for the maintenance
of a motorway bridge. Thus far we conclude from our findings that a more accelerated
diffusion of construction innovation requires that the client has a thorough understanding of
the problem an innovation is intended to solve. Furthermore, there must be improved
dissemination and availability of information about similar solutions applied in previous
projects and, for large-scale structural changes, ideas must be considered either in advance
or at an early stage of a project
