Innovation drivers and barriers in the Nigerian construction industry.

Abstract

The aim of the study is to assess innovation drivers and barriers in the Nigerian construction industry. The specific objectives are to: examine the drivers and barriers; identify means to establish innovation drivers; and proffer means to overcome innovat ion barriers in the Nigerian construction industry. Structured questionnaires were administered to experienced professionals which includes; Project Managers, Architects, Quantity Surveyors, Builders and Engineers of the sampled construction firms within Abuja and registered with the Federation of Construction Industry (FOCI). The data obtained were subjected to descriptive and inferential analyses using tables and RII (Relative Importance Index). The major drivers of innovation from the study are client innovative demand, productivity increase, design trend, subsides for innovative application and materials and improve effectiveness while the main barriers to innovation are lack of understanding of the benefits of innovation, cost of innovation and percept ion that the industry is doing well without innovation. Innovation has been found to be driven by the actions of clients and challenges thrown up by emergent crises on construction projects. The main barriers to innovation from the study are lack of understanding of the benefit of innovation, cost of innovation and perception that the industry is doing well without innovation. The construction industry will function better and improve the built environment when more of innovative drivers are put into play allowing little or no barrier to hinder the efficiency and effectiveness of innovation.