Toward understanding of product innovation process in construction

The peculiar characteristics of the products and the technological constraints of construction significantly differentiate it from manufacturing; this suggests that the process of innovation and the factors governing this process will differ. Based on an investigation of several product innovations in construction, this paper describes the characteristics of four key actors that play important roles in the innovation process in construction and the relationships among them. These actors are owner’s demands, problems, designer’s bank of technology, and contractor’s process technology. This effort is the first step toward deciphering the mechanism of product innovation in construction, which has been neglected by researchers despite its immense importance to technological advancement in this vital industry. The paper also develops practical applications to assist industry professionals attempting to increase the rate of product innovation and implications to structure future research.