Zhang, B; Wang, C; Ren, X Z and Xia, B (2026) Evaluating the research and development (R&D) efficiency of the Chinese construction industry. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 33(1), pp. 552-577. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
Purpose – The construction industry has been investigating "where Henry Ford is in the industry system." Given that listed construction enterprises are the backbone of the promotion of the high-quality development of the industry, their research and innovation are of considerable importance. This study aims to comprehensively assess the research and development (R&D) status quo and trends within various types of construction enterprises in order to identify effective strategies to enhance R&D efficiency in the construction industry. Design/methodology/approach – Based on the data won from annual reports and the CSMAR database for the period 2016–2020, this study examines 104 listed construction enterprises in China. By applying both the data envelopment analysis (DEA) method and the Malmquist productivity index, this research compares and analyzes the static and dynamic differences in R&D efficiency across different types of construction enterprises. Findings – Results suggest that the magnitude of change in the Malmquist decomposition index of 104 listed construction enterprises gradually narrowed, but the comprehensive technological level remained relatively low. Although state-owned enterprises had an advantage in scale efficiency, meaning they could maximize output with given inputs, their technological progress efficiency, also known as the degree of technological innovation, was significantly lower than that of private enterprises. As one finding, state-owned enterprises in comparison with private enterprises experience significant R&D inefficiency. It represents the main cause of their low degree of technological innovation and efficiency. Originality/value – This study assesses the R&D efficiency of listed construction enterprises in China from the perspective of different market segments, state-owned and private enterprises and suggests approaches to improve strategies for various corporate types. Thus, the study's new findings contribute to addressing the challenge of low R&D levels in the construction industry in the fields of engineering, construction and architectural management.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | construction enterprises; data envelopment analysis; Malmquist method; R&D efficiency |
| Index terms: | data envelopment analysis, construction industry, technological innovation, productivity, database, efficiency, promotion, China, methodology, private enterprise, research and development, meaning, strategy, architectural management, annual report, market segment |
| Subjects: | innovation and technology management, organization, market analysis, research management, Geography, practice management, research methods, data analysis and analytics, business, industry analysis, data management, sociology, management, performance management |
| Topics: | Business Strategy, Research Practice, Governance, Design Practice, Digital Applications, Human Resources, Geographical Context, Engineering Principles, Quality Management |
| 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