Innovation adoption behaviour in the construction sector : the case of the Queensland road industry

This paper examines ‘imitative’ innovation, which involves the adoption of innovations that are new to a particular business, rather than new to the world. The paper is based on a survey of over 200 participants in the Australian road industry, in the state of Queensland. The survey covered clients, contractors, consultants and suppliers. Innovation directions and levels were measured via adoption patterns, based on a list of technologies and advanced practices presented in the survey questionnaire. The research investigated innovation rates, types, success, impact, drivers, strategies, and obstacles. The paper commences by exploring the term ‘innovation’, before describing and analysing empirical data from the study. The evidence presented points to the: • importance of innovation to business success; • importance of people-centred/non-technical innovation processes; • role played by inadequate resources and perceived risk in impeding innovation activity; • importance of clients in ‘driving’ innovation activity; and • the usefulness of active evaluation systems in maximising the benefits of innovation.