Interorganizational diffusion of prefabricated construction technology: Two-stage evolution framework

Prefabricated construction (PC) is considered to be a low-carbon construction method in most cases, and PC technology drives advances in PC. The interorganizational diffusion of PC technology transcends organizational boundaries to achieve resource sharing, which transforms technology from theory to practice and from innovation to economic benefits. Existing research mainly focuses on developing and applying PC technology but ignores its interorganizational diffusion process. Understanding the interorganizational diffusion of PC technology is important for government policymaking. This paper looks at how PC technology is diffused among PC companies. A two-stage evolution framework was proposed based on social network theory. Using China's PC-related cooperative patent data, macro diffusion characteristics and micro partner selection mechanisms underpinning its evolution were explored. The results revealed the scale-free feature of the interorganizational diffusion of PC technology and provided preferred collaborators for PC companies. This study advances theoretical systems of both PC and technology diffusion and can assist government and PC companies in improving diffusion performance.