Construction projects as mechanisms for knowledge integration: Mechanisms and effects when diffusing a systemic innovation

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study knowledge integration (KI) when diffusing a systemic innovation. The objectives are to understand what mechanisms are used and when and what their effects are in terms of knowledge development.

Design/methodology/approach

The method comprised a longitudinal case study which followed a firm’s attempts to develop and diffuse a timber multi-storey building system (the systemic innovation) over a number of projects.

Findings

The findings emphasize actual projects as the most crucial activity for KI and when and why soft personalization mechanisms and codified knowledge should be mixed. Furthermore, it shows how different types of knowledge are built-up including construction process effects over a series of projects.

Research limitations/implications

The research contributes with knowledge about mechanisms for the diffusion of a specific systemic innovation type and provides input regarding mechanisms to use. The introduction of the concepts “domain-specific,” “procedural” and “general knowledge” into construction has increased understanding of innovation diffusion and knowledge flows and where and how they are integrated.

Practical implications

The research shows how knowledge develops and through which mechanisms, and where problems occur. Construction organizations can learn from this to avoid mistakes and potentially better understand how to manage knowledge to diffuse a systemic innovation.

Originality/value

The research provides insight into systemic innovation diffusion over a series of projects and focuses on both projects and the construction process.

Citation

Lindgren, J., Emmitt, S. and Widén, K. (2018), "Construction projects as mechanisms for knowledge integration: Mechanisms and effects when diffusing a systemic innovation", Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, Vol. 25 No. 11, pp. 1516-1533. https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-02-2017-0022