Ershadi, M and Lijauco, F (2026) A framework for digitalizing construction businesses: Drivers, barriers and outcomes. Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, 15(1), pp. 120-155. ISSN 2046-6099
Abstract
Purpose – In this paper, a systematic review of 284 articles published between 2015 and 2022 and a full-text thematic analysis of 70 selected articles was conducted to catalog and synthesize factors in a framework. Thematic analysis subsequently revealed 18 selective codes under three groups of drivers, barriers, and outcomes. These three groups were explained by four key aspects including organization, stakeholders, infrastructure, and business environment that set a framework for the digitalization of construction. The study finally concluded digitalization strategies with a focus on support mechanisms, government incentives, regulations, the transition from manual labor to technicians, organizational technology culture, methodology development, and innovation processes. Such strategies provide insight into prioritizing resources towards smooth digital transformation in construction businesses. Design/methodology/approach – A two-stage methodology is adopted by undertaking a systematic literature review followed by thematic content analysis. This work concludes with an analysis of remaining research gaps and suggestions for potential future research. Findings – In this paper, a systematic review of 284 articles published between 2015 and 2022 and a full-text thematic analysis of 70 selected articles was conducted to catalog and synthesize variables in a framework. Thematic analysis subsequently revealed a set of variables and factors describing construction digitalization under three groups of success factors, barriers, and outcomes. A critical content analysis of the representative studies was conducted to identify five future research trends as well as associated research gaps and directions on the topic. Practical implications – This study contributes to practice by providing directions concerning the key strategies and priorities associated with the digitalization of construction businesses. Originality/value – This ground-breaking research brings to light a classified set of factors that are important for the digitalization of construction businesses. The elicited framework contributes to the current body of knowledge by offering a unique conceptualization of both driving and adverse aspects for the seamless digital transformation of construction.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | construction businesses; digitalization; systematic review; thematic analysis |
| Index terms: | prioritizing, systematic literature review, regulation, content analysis, strategy, body of knowledge, transformation, digitalization, thematic analysis, methodology, support mechanism, success factor |
| Subjects: | research evaluation and metrics, management, digital technology, health monitoring assessment and metrics, methods and analysis, decision analysis, knowledge management, political science, business, organization, data analysis and analytics, research methods |
| Topics: | Digital Applications, Information Management, Governance, Risk Management, Research Practice, Health and Safety, Business Strategy |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
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