Configurational Path to Collaborative Innovation in Large and Complex Construction Projects

Abstract

Collaborative innovation contributes to sustainable development in many industries. Although there is a growing literature on collaborative innovation, it is still unclear whether and how configurations of drivers affect collaborative innovation in large and complex construction projects (hereafter megaprojects). This research adopts fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to explore multiple conjunctural causations of collaborative innovation in megaprojects. The findings show that four equifinal solutions can influence collaborative innovation in megaprojects, i.e.: “system innovation-oriented” (configuration 1), “radical innovation-oriented” (configuration 2), “second-tier supplier oriented” (configuration 3), and “modular or architectural innovation-oriented” (configuration 4). This study contributes to explaining the mechanisms regarding how configurations of drivers contribute to collaborative innovation in megaprojects. It also contributes to the development of collaborative innovation research in a construction project context. The research findings provide construction project managers with four useful suggestions for promoting collaborative innovation in megaprojects.