Incentives for technological innovation in construction

Abstract

Why innovate in construction? The answer to this frequently asked question is critical for the future of the U.S. engineering and construction industry. One reason for this is the multitude of answers to the question why not innovate? contracts, liability, fragmentation, and tradition. Based on investigations of successes, this paper describes incentives for construction innovation at the level of the firm, project, and individual. The conclusions and practical applications highlight actions to increase incentives at each level and foster technical progress in construction.