Technology and innovation development in Ethiopian construction industry: the challenges and improvement mechanisms
Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology
ISSN: 1726-0531
Article publication date: 6 March 2023
Abstract
Purpose
The 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/approach
In 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.
Findings
The 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/value
Effectiveness 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.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to acknowledge Construction Management Institute (CMI), Ethiopia, for funding the research project CMI/Cons002/2014EFY. We are grateful to the top management and the professionals at CMI, Ethiopia for the support made during the study.
Funding: The authors would like to acknowledge the financial support provided by the Construction Management Institute (CMI) of Ethiopia, which enabled this work to be undertaken.
Citation
Mengistu, D.G., Ashene, D.A. and Halabo, H.A. (2023), "Technology and innovation development in Ethiopian construction industry: the challenges and improvement mechanisms", Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/JEDT-10-2022-0528
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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