Digital transformation in the construction industry: a bibliometric review

Abstract

Purpose

The construction industry has been traditionally referred to as slow when it comes to technological transformation. This study aims to investigate and present a scorecard of the construction industry in the past decade, the paper adopted Bibliometrics. The study identified the various digital transformation (DT) aspects in the construction industry and future research directions are also identified.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve the aim of this research, an inductive approach was adopted through a grounded theory strategy. Secondary data was retrieved from the Scopus database and analysed using Biblioshiny and VOSviewer. The data was retrieved through specific keywords related to the study focus.

Findings

The study also proposed a balanced flow model for DT discussion in the construction industry. DT in the construction industry disrupts every aspect of the industry, albeit at different rates due to the existing barriers; hence, the study identified areas that require further research. It, thus, provides a theoretical and practical basis for researchers and practitioners alike.

Originality/value

The study reviewed the DT research discuss in the construction industry. It is worthy of note that this is the first study that analyses the DT of the construction industry in the past decade.

Citation

Adekunle, S.A., Aigbavboa, C.O., Ejohwomu, O., Adekunle, E.A. and Thwala, W.D. (2024), "Digital transformation in the construction industry: a bibliometric review", Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, Vol. 22 No. 1, pp. 130-158. https://doi.org/10.1108/JEDT-08-2021-0442