Description
Book SynopsisThis book deals with some of the most important questions in innovation research such as the role of corporate governance, national systems of innovation, and government regulation in the development and adoption of innovations. In particular, it presents new evidence on the factors which shape innovation in construction by drawing on extensive interviews with construction firms across Europe.
The authors offer broad lessons for the systems of innovation approach and suggest that particular structures of ownership and management, and inter-organisational relations are responsible for variations in the economic performance of the construction industry in different European countries. The particular challenges posed by the adoption of sustainable technologies such as natural thermal insulation and active solar heating systems are also explored. These environmental innovations are expected to have an impact on sustainable building and regeneration, and at a more general level can help identify the factors which can facilitate or inhibit the innovation process. Importantly, the book does not simply focus on the relationship between technology, firm organisation and competitiveness, but also considers the social and institutional aspects which affect the construction sector's ability to innovate. The extensive case studies from 5 European countries allow the reader to analyse innovation performance from an international comparative perspective.
Innovation in Construction represents an important contribution to the theoretical debate on innovation. It will be highly useful to scholars and students interested in innovation studies, environmental management, and construction management and economics.
Trade Review'The authors deserve credit for their collection and skillful processing of qualitative data from five European countries, which have enabled them to identify similarities and differences in the functioning of national construction industries. . . >Innovation in Construction is an important contribution to increasing one's understanding of innovation in the construction industry.' -- Ina Drejer, Building Research and Information
Table of ContentsContents: Introduction Part I: Systems of Innovation and the European Construction Industry 1. Corporate Governance and Innovation in Construction in Five European Countries 2. Networks and Innovation in Construction in Five European Countries Part II: Adoption and Diffusion of Sustainable Technologies in Construction 3. Sustainable Technologies and the Innovation–Regulation Paradox: The Case of Natural Thermal Insulation 4. Factors Enabling and Inhibiting Sustainable Technologies in Construction: The Case of Active Solar Heating Systems 5. Networks and Sustainable Technologies: The Case of Scottish Social Housing Conclusion Appendix References Index
