A technology acceptance framework for the adoption of construction 4.0

Information technology (IT) integrated with cyber-physical systems (CPS) has been the principal component of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, also called Industry 4.0. In the construction context, this change has been termed Construction 4.0 and irrespective of the benefits of adopting these technologies, most have yet to be readily accepted for use in the construction industry (CI). Construction 4.0 impacts both construction practices and processes and, thus, how people work. Many challenges affect the uptake of Construction 4.0, and despite extensive research on the potential use of these new technologies, their implications for people within construction are widely unconsidered. This research developed a Technology Acceptance Framework for construction firms to adopt Construction 4.0. The theory of contingent authority innovation adoption was selected as the foundation for developing the conceptual framework, which also incorporated the technology-organisation-environment (TOE) framework and technology acceptance model (TAM). These theories suggest that technology acceptance and adoption in an organisation occurs in primary and secondary stages, in which both management and end-users are involved in the adoption process. Eighty-eight published journal articles (in English) within the Scopus database were systematically reviewed to develop the conceptual framework. The analysis identified twelve factors influencing the management's intention, and under secondary adoption, twenty factors influenced the perceived ease of use (PEOU), and seventeen factors affected the perceived usefulness (PU). An iterative qualitative approach was adopted to verify and validate the conceptual framework. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants from construction company's management, technology developers and construction project participants in Australia. The findings were content analysed using NVivo 12 software. Four specific contributions were made to the conceptual framework. These include: 1. the principal factor influencing the management's intention was the perceived need to adopt the technology, 2. the role of pilot projects, particularly where technologies were complex, 3. the involvement of the technology provider in the technology acceptance and adoption process, and 4. the end-user perspective with twenty-six factors influencing the PEOU and nineteen factors affecting the PU, including eight previously unidentified influential factors. This study makes four significant contributions to the field of technology acceptance and adoption in the construction industry. Firstly, the study provides insights into the management's technology acceptance rationale for adopting Construction 4.0-related technologies. Secondly, the impact of company attributes such as culture, firm's age, size, annual turnover, etc., on the decision and the resources required. This evaluation can guide construction firms in positioning themselves within the industry and identify the issues to consider when adopting technology. Thirdly, the study highlighted the significance of collaborations with technology providers in developing technology for the construction industry. Fourthly, the importance of the user perspective on technology acceptance and adoption was identified and can be leveraged by the management to ensure that users optimally use technologies. This research also contributes to construction practice by highlighting the importance of the management, users and technology providers in technology acceptance and adoption and contributes practical insights for construction firms looking to adopt Construction 4.0 successfully.