Assessing Drivers and Barriers to the Adoption of Smart Technologies in the Construction Industry: A Quantitative Study

Abstract

The adoption of smart technologies in the construction industry presents both significant opportunities and challenges. This study aims to offer beneficial insights to industry stakeholders by exploring the factors that influence and hinder the integration of smart technology into construction projects. The research discovers that government policies, client demand, technical expertise, top management support, and technology awareness are some of the key factors influencing technology adoption processes. These aspects are identified through an extensive review of the literature. The methodology involves a structured questionnaire distributed among construction industry professionals to gauge their perceptions of drivers and barriers to smart technology adoption. The results of the data analysis establish how significant it is to have the support of the top management, technical expertise, and client demand for technology adoption initiatives. However, barriers such as the complex nature of construction projects, lack of management commitment, and inadequate technological experience emerge as significant barriers hindering widespread adoption. Recommendations are proposed to address these challenges, emphasizing the need for leadership commitment, investment in skill development, client engagement, and collaboration with governmental bodies to create supportive regulatory frameworks. By overcoming these barriers, construction firms may utilise smart technology to boost productivity, efficiency, and industry competitiveness, leading to beneficial improvements in the industry.