Zhang, Y; Xu, L; Xue, X; Wang, Z and Skibniewski, M (2026) Formation and dynamics of prefabricated building innovation network. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 33(1), pp. 98-124. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
Purpose – With the uptake of prefabricated construction (PC) facing serious obstacles in China, networked innovation can break the technical constraints while also containing the risks in individual innovation. However, the construction community has paid little attention to PC innovation, especially networked innovation. This study aims to gain deep insights into what impacts the formation and dynamics of a prefabricated construction innovation network (PCIN). With the uptake of PC facing serious obstacles in China, networked innovation can break the technical constraints while also containing the risks in individual innovation. Design/methodology/approach – The research design follows a sequential mixed methodology of qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis. It first conceptualizes the PCIN based on the quadruple helix model and formulates a corresponding system dynamics model based on causality analysis. After validating the PCIN model using empirical data, simulations are carried out using Vensim PLE software. Finally, this study identifies key factors that promote the formation of PCIN in China through sensitivity analysis. Findings – The results show that PC predicts a continuous increase in practice as of 2030. The tested drivers all positively influence the formation of the PCIN, with market demand and risk sharing having the greatest influence, followed by competitive pressure, profit government support, scientific and technological advancement and collaborative innovation strategy. Originality/value – The study makes three major contributions. First, it provides a novel angle for a deeper understanding of the PC innovation. Second, it proposes a new approach for probing the formation and dynamics of the PCIN. Finally, it offers a theoretical reference for promoting the formation of innovation networks and the development of PC.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | innovation network; network dynamics; network formation; prefabricated building; system dynamics |
| Index terms: | dynamics, construction community, prefabricated building, innovation strategy, government support, research design, system dynamics, methodology, network formation, China, construction innovation, sensitivity analysis, profit |
| Subjects: | economic analysis, building construction, networking, environmental hazards, research methods, Geography, research design and methodology, business, government bodies, computing systems, systems engineering, professional development |
| Topics: | Digital Applications, Business Strategy, Research Practice, Information Management, Construction Technology, Governance, Geographical Context, Engineering Principles, Sustainability |
| Descriptive scope: | 3 PCT |
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