How medium-sized construction companies adopt new technology

Medium-sized construction companies play an important role in society but often have limited resources for development. A new research project at Jönköping University (JU) aims to help them adopt innovations and strengthen their competitiveness.

“This project is important, not least because it will enable medium-sized construction companies to remain competitive despite often having very limited resources for development,” says Henrik Linderoth, professor at the Department of Building Technology and Lighting Science at the School of Engineering (JTH) at JU.

The aim of the project is to increase knowledge about how medium-sized construction companies can improve their ability to absorb innovations and research results – that is, how able they are to to utilize and apply innovations. The project is funded by Smart Built Environment and the Jönköping County Builders' Association. Smart Built Environment is a Swedish strategic innovation programme focusing on how digitalization can create more sustainable and efficient community building.

Unlike large construction companies, which often have their own research and development departments and structures for testing and implementing innovations, medium-sized companies tend to lack these opportunities.

“At the same time, research to date has mainly focused on the larger players, which makes this project both practical and scientifically relevant,” says Henrik Linderoth.

Research using qualitative methods

In order to gain a deep and nuanced understanding of how innovations can be integrated into the everyday life of medium-sized companies, the project will use a combination of qualitative methods such as interviews, focus groups and workshops.

“We will try to create as broad a picture as possible of the opportunities that different professional categories in companies have to embrace innovations and the opportunities they have to integrate them into their daily operations,” says Henrik Linderoth.

Data collection will take place in close collaboration with four medium-sized construction companies, which will participate through a steering group and a reference group. By involving different professional roles within the companies, the researchers hope to identify both the obstacles and opportunities for putting innovation into practice.

“The project is scheduled to start in mid-2025 and will run for two years. During this time, we will work closely with the participating companies to ensure that the results are both relevant and applicable,” says Henrik Linderoth.

For the construction industry to meet the challenges of the future, not only are more innovations needed, but also an increased ability to adopt them.

“The results are expected to contribute to both increased competitiveness and more inclusive innovation development within the industry,” says Henrik Linderoth.

Read more about the project External link, opens in new window..