Innovation evaluation model for macro-construction sector companies: A study in Spain

Area of Science:

• Construction Management
• Innovation Studies
• Economic Analysis

Background:

• The traditional construction sector faces persistent criticism regarding low productivity and limited innovation.
• Existing innovation metrics, such as R&D investment and patents, inadequately capture the sector's innovative activities.
• Previous research has primarily focused on general innovation models, neglecting the specificities of the macro-construction sector.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and apply an innovation evaluation model tailored for the macro-construction sector.
• To address the limitations of traditional innovation indicators in assessing construction industry innovativeness.
• To provide a framework for evaluating innovation within the broader infrastructure life-cycle.

Main Methods:

• Development of a novel innovation evaluation model for the macro-construction sector.
• Application and validation of the model using the Spanish construction industry as a case study.
• Consultation with a national panel of experts for model adaptation and refinement.

Main Results:

• The study highlights that traditional innovation indicators do not fully represent the innovative capacity of the construction sector.
• A new model was successfully developed and applied to evaluate innovation in Spanish macro-construction companies.
• The developed model offers a more comprehensive approach to assessing innovation in construction.

Conclusions:

• The proposed innovation evaluation model provides a more accurate assessment of the macro-construction sector's innovative efforts.
• The model can be adapted for use in other countries, facilitating international comparisons and best practice sharing.
• Addressing the unique characteristics of the construction sector is crucial for effective innovation assessment.