Li, H; Zhao, Z; Cao, Y; Su, L; Zhao, J and Zhang, Y (2025) How does servitization promote value added in construction industry? The moderating role of R&D innovation. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 32(9), pp. 6213-6232. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
Purpose - Servitization and research and development (R&D) innovation provide new developmental opportunities for transformation in the construction industry. This study aims to explore the transformative impact of servitization and R&D innovation on the value added of the construction industry, offering new insights into industry transformation and growth. Design/methodology/approach - This study utilizes panel data from Chinese listed construction companies from 2014 to 2022 to empirically investigate the relationship among servitization, R&D innovation and value added in the construction industry. The data analysis is augmented by incorporating text mining techniques to rigorously investigate the interplay among servitization, R&D innovation and the value added within the construction industry. Findings - The research findings indicate that the impact of servitization on value added follows a positive U-shaped relationship, while the influence of R&D innovation on value added exhibits an inverted U-shaped relationship. Additionally, innovation investment plays a negative moderating role in the relationship between servitization and value added. Originality/value - This study reveals a fresh perspective on how construction companies can leverage servitization as a strategic pathway for transformation and competitive advantage. The research also lays a theoretical groundwork for future innovation investment strategies in the construction industry, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to innovation investments to maximize value added.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | empirical analysis; innovation; servitization; value added |
| Index terms: | data analysis, investment strategy, construction company, research and development, methodology, servitization, competitive advantage, industry transformation, transformation, mining, construction industry |
| Subjects: | market analysis, market strategies, research management, research methods, economic analysis, organization, geotechnical engineering, industry analysis, data analysis and analytics, business |
| Topics: | Research Practice, Business Strategy, Engineering Principles |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTA |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here