Strategies for Technology Push: Lessons from Construction Innovations
Publication: Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 118, Issue 3
Abstract
Based on examples of successful construction innovation, this paper makes four principal arguments. First, the notion that owner's demands or problems dominate the innovation process in construction is largely a myth. Second, in most successful processes of construction innovation, technology plays a critical role in inducing owner's demands as well as in formulating problems. Third, in light of the importance of technology in the innovation process in construction, a proactive technology leadership strategy is more feasible than commonly thought. Fourth, effective implementation of technology‐push strategy requires continuous research and development (R&D) efforts that are integrated but informal in nature. Implications and conclusions from these findings include: development of technical capability in specific areas can provide a basis for innovation and competitive advantage, incremental improvement through persistant efforts at all levels of the organization can produce significant long‐term advantages, and viewing technology as a broad opportunity for improvement can arm firms with solutions for project innovation.
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Copyright © 1992 ASCE.
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Published online: Sep 1, 1992
Published in print: Sep 1992
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