Creating a case for innovation acceleration in the New Zealand building industry
ISSN: 1471-4175
Article publication date: 22 June 2021
Issue publication date: 3 January 2022
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine how innovation can be accelerated within the New Zealand (NZ) building industry to improve the productivity and efficiency of the industry.
Design/methodology/approach
The study adopted a mixed philosophical approach combining interpretivism and post-positivism. Data for the study were obtained through a focus group of 50 practitioners that were selected using a stratified sampling procedure. All focus group data were audio-recorded, notes of the discussions were taken and then transcribed, de-identified and managed using NVivo software. Data analysis was undertaken using thematic analysis and inductive reasoning consistent with interpretative phenomenological analysis.
Findings
The study findings revealed that the industry could benefit from the adoption of new and emerging technologies to improve its performance, especially its productivity and efficiency. Key drivers for the adoption of innovative practices included the adaptation of “local best practices” from case studies that would consist of stories of successful innovations that could foster confidence in future innovation. It was also identified that Government and industry should nurture innovation through collaborative contracts, policies and regulations. Further, it was highlighted that a culture of innovation needed to be developed to help nurture competencies and capability within the industry workforce.
Research limitations/implications
This study provides an in-depth examination of the need for innovation from the point of view of building industry practitioners. This study provides a useful starting-off point for further research and for the creation of policies that could help to support and accelerate innovation within the NZ building industry.
Practical implications
NZ’s building industry productivity and efficiency have been sub-optimal relative to other industries. But using evidence from the experiences and knowledge of industry practitioners, strategies can be developed to accelerate innovation within the NZ building industry that could help reverse industry performance. Further, the research findings can help inform government policies to develop support mechanisms that could encourage innovation in the industry in NZ. In addition, it is anticipated that the findings will provide a useful set of guidance for other countries that have similar market and physical constraints as those encountered by NZ.
Originality/value
There is a dearth of empirical studies on innovation in the NZ building industry which the current study contributes to. By sharing industry practitioners’ experiences and knowledge of innovation, the paper seeks to counteract more technocratic and technological optimist accounts of innovation within the building industry. Further, the paper provides insights into how the NZ building industry can transform its performance through innovation.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors gratefully acknowledge the fund provided by the New Zealand government to facilitate the conduct of this research. The authors would also like to express their thanks to the University of Auckland, New Zealand for the award of Postdoctoral research fellowship to the corresponding author for his Post-PhD research, which has been funded by the New Zealand government. Our profound appreciation goes to them.
Citation
Adafin, J., Wilkinson, S., Rotimi, J.O.B., MacGregor, C., Tookey, J. and Potangaroa, R. (2021), "Creating a case for innovation acceleration in the New Zealand building industry", Construction Innovation, Vol. 22 No. 1, pp. 185-204. https://doi.org/10.1108/CI-10-2018-0081
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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