Stehn, L. and Erikshammar, J. (2026) Configuring innovation ecosystem capabilities for scaling digital innovation in construction. International Journal of Construction Management, 26(9), pp. 1944-1959. ISSN 1562-3599
Abstract
Digital transformation in construction is often hindered by fragmented innovation processes and building project-centric technology trials. This study investigates how construction firms can configure and coordinate organizational capabilities to scale digital innovations from isolated Proof of Concept (POC) tests to firm-wide transformation. Drawing on innovation ecosystem theory, construction management, technology and innovation management on innovation uptake, the article presents findings from a qualitative case study of a sensor-based POC in a Swedish building project. Data were collected through eight in-depth interviews and 26 h of participant observation. The analysis identifies four interconnected sets of capabilities across ecosystem, project, and firm interfaces that support scaling, including configurations for value creation, alignment of value propositions, digital maturity, and cross-project learning for value capture. The study contributes to construction management literature by introducing a model of analysis for ecosystem-driven transformation and highlighting the role of digital brokers in aligning actors and accelerating capability-enhanced scale-up. Practical implications include the need for strategic coordination, cross-project learning, and capability configuration across organizational interfaces to overcome structural barriers to digitalization.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | construction management; digital transformation; innovation ecosystem; organizational capabilities; proof of concept; scaling conditions |
| Index terms: | observation, drawing, interview, innovation management, case study, transformation, value capture, organizational capability, broker, scaling, construction firm, value creation, coordination, configuration, digitalization |
| Subjects: | sociology, business models, technical documentation, economic development, digital technology, data collection methods, innovation studies, management, systems engineering, organization, profession, business |
| Topics: | Design Practice, Organizational Design, Sustainability, Business Strategy, Engineering Principles, Digital Applications, Research Practice, Roles and Professions |
| Descriptive scope: | 3 PCE |
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