The innovation process: adoption of information and communication technology for the construction industry

The paper discusses innovation and uses information and communication technology (ICT) as an example. A general framework that is broad in the perspectives it examines is presented for the analysis of innovations and technology adoption in the construction industry. The framework is described in relation to the life cycle of a technological innovation and consists of two primary perspectives: a macroview (top) and a microview (bottom). The analysis models either determine characteristics or measure values. Each analysis model is discussed in some detail and applied to an ICT example. The relevance of the framework is summarized by a discussion of how these interrelated analyses are applicable to the decision-making process within a particular firm and of the mechanisms required by the industry to improve the innovation process. A framework is required that is comprehensive in its ability to look at information and knowledge flows in support of innovation within the industry and at the interrelationships between micro and macro influences. Gaps in current approaches include a lack of quantitative analysis tools, the ability to reflect the dynamic aspect of innovation, and industry knowledge of practical decision-making tools. Key words: innovation, technology adoption, information and communication technology, construction engineering.