Collaborative Learning and Innovation - A Way to Overcome Inertia in Construction

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to explore the reasons for low rate of innovation and their corresponding resolutions in the Swedish construction industry from clients and consultants perspectives. Various practices of collaborative innovation, i.e. product/service innovation, process innovation, organization innovation, have been observed. Qualitative interviews with academic experts, consultants and clients in the industry were held and were compared to literature. By applying Absorptive Capacity framework (ACAP), a comprehensive understanding of innovation development and collaborative learning in case study organizations was obtained. Essential role of factors in ACAP, such as social integration mechanism as well as transformation and exploitation, are recognized. The findings focus on the issues attributed to production dynamics, as opposed to market dynamics, where characteristics of the construction process, namely project organization, unique project and long project horizon contribute to inertia. Furthermore, collaborative practices that may resolve the inertia are found to be knowledge flow, innovation leaders, innovation arena and collaborative business relationships. In addition, digitalization and long-term financial and environmental sustainability are identified as main drivers of collaborative innovation.