Technology and innovation development in Ethiopian construction industry: the challenges and improvement mechanisms

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the challenges and potential improvement mechanisms for the development of technology and innovation in the Ethiopian construction industry.Design/methodology/approachIn this study both quantitative and qualitative research approaches were adopted....

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:	Journal of engineering, design and technology Vol. 22; no. 6; pp. 1936 - 1957
Main Authors:	Desalegn Girma Mengistu, Daniel Alemayehu Ashene, Handebo Ayele Halabo
Format:	Journal Article
Language:	English
Published:	Bingley Emerald Group Publishing Limited 06-03-2023
Subjects:	Building automation Competitive advantage Construction industry Control equipment Data analysis Data collection Effectiveness Factor analysis Industrial development Innovations Monitoring Qualitative analysis Strategic planning Technology Technology assessment
Online Access:	Get full text
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Summary:	PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the challenges and potential improvement mechanisms for the development of technology and innovation in the Ethiopian construction industry.Design/methodology/approachIn this study both quantitative and qualitative research approaches were adopted. While a structured questionnaire was used for the quantitative data collection, semi-structured interview was used for qualitative data collection. In analyzing the quantitative data, mean score was used to rank the variables and factor analysis was conducted to identify the underlying dimensions of the research constructs. The qualitative data was analyzed thematically focusing on specific objectives of the study; the challenges and improvement mechanisms of technology and innovation development.FindingsThe findings indicate that the major challenges are nature of the industry and lack of awareness, weak capacity of companies and the regulatory instruments, inadequate tender duration and poor monitoring and controlling practice. The suggested improvement mechanisms are effective coordination of the process and awareness creation, promoting technology and innovation in the procurement process and technology and innovation consideration in construction project registration.Originality/valueEffectiveness of construction industry improvement programmes is affected by inappropriateness of the adopted implementation mechanisms. Understanding the operating environment; the enablers and potential barriers, is important for the success of any envisioned improvement programme. The improvement framework proposed by this study indicates the potential intervention areas and improvement mechanisms to effectively induce and enhance technology and innovation development in the construction industry. Major pillars of the improvement framework are improving regulatory framework, raising awareness and stakeholder engagement and continual monitoring and controlling of the practice.
ISSN:	1726-0531 1758-8901
DOI:	10.1108/JEDT-10-2022-0528