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Blismas, N, Wakefield, R and Hauser, B (2010) Concrete prefabricated housing via advances in systems technologies: Development of a technology roadmap. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 17(01), 110.
Butcher, D C A and Sheehan, M J (2010) Excellent contractor performance in the UK construction industry. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 17(01), 35–45.
Koukkari, H (2010) Transformation of a research centre toward an innovation partner in the construction sector. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 17(01), 89–98.
- Type: Journal Article
- Keywords: action research; construction industry; finland; innovation; partnership; research organizations
- ISBN/ISSN: 0969-9988
- URL: http://www.emeraldinsight.com/10.1108/09699981011011348
- Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to study innovation processes of the construction sector from the viewpoints of research-based consultation at VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland. Design/methodology/approach – The starting point of an internal analysis and benchmarking concerning the role of a research centre come from a Finnish product manufacturer that challenged its capacity to a short introduction lead-time. Understanding as an opportunity, a core team is set up representing different expertises, and a co-operation project is proposed to the manufacturer. In addition, an in-house follow-up project is created. After completing successfully the product development project, and based upon findings of the follow-up project, a feasibility study is conducted concerning consultation packages for development of construction products and concepts. However, during this study phase, the objective of packages is replaced by an ideal of a collaborative process that integrates competencies, tools, and management of a research and development organisation, and links them to those of the customer. Findings – The process model of a multi-disciplinary commercialized research-based consultation is a new way to organise work of a research centre, and its core is collaboration with the customer. During the follow-up process, feasibility study and development of a research-based process, approaches of the Action Research were applied. A market study and two external evaluations were made that gave partly consistent partly inconsistent results with the learning outcome concerning appeal of the new type of partnership. New sector-wide strategies at the national and European level show however that key findings were justified. Next challenges in the development of the multi-disciplinary innovation services concern internationalisation, external networking and globalisation. Originality/value – The paper offers insight into the transformation of a research centre into an innovation partner with the construction industry.
MacLeod, I A (2010) The education of innovative engineers. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 17(01), 21–34.
Martin, J C, Akande, K and Falconer, R A (2010) Innovations from the Halcrow-Cardiff University strategic collaboration. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 17(01), 64.
Pan, W (2010) Strategies for managing innovation in UK housebuilding. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 17(01), 78–88.
Ruiz, L, Gómez, E, Santos, A G and Vega, S (2010) Study of light-multi-layered façades. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 17(01), 77.
Ruiz, L, Gomez, E, Santos, A G and Vega, S (2010) Study of light-multi-layered facades. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 17(01), 65–77.
Tuuli, M M and Rowlinson, S (2010) What empowers individuals and teams in project settings? A critical incident analysis. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 17(01), 20.