An appraisal of barriers to digitalisation of construction industry in developing countries: perspective from India

Abstract

Digitalisation in the construction sector promises numerous benefits, yet its widespread adoption in India faces impediments. This study aims to identify and analyse critical barriers hindering the adoption of digitalisation within the Indian construction sector. The study adopts a multi-phase research approach, involving a literature review to identify potential barriers. Subsequently, a questionnaire was administered to 162 professionals in the Indian construction industry. The survey reveals a willingness within the Indian construction sector to embrace digitalisation, citing benefits such as enhanced productivity and revolutionary impacts on construction processes. Larger organizations exhibit greater proactivity, while smaller businesses face challenges in resources and knowledge, leading to slower adoption rates. The study identifies five key themes of barriers, including financial/resource constraints, cultural/organisational constraints, regional disparities, data security/privacy concerns, and awareness/capacity-building constraints. The implication of the study is to unveil crucial barriers and provide insights for tailored interventions, aiding stakeholders, policymakers, and researchers in navigating the evolving digital landscape of the Indian construction industry. This study contributes to the exploration of perceptions of construction professionals specifically in India on why digitalisation is not fully embraced in the Indian construction sector.