Duman, D U; Löwstedt, M and Sundquist, V (2022) Moving beyond business as usual? Exploring digital transformation in the Swedish construction sector. In: Tutesigensi, A and Neilson, C J (eds.) Proceedings of 38th Annual ARCOM Conference, 5-7 September 2022, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK.
Abstract
Digital transformation (DT) refers to a process of integrating digital technologies that will lead to new forms of relationship among actors; organisational processes; and business models. It is frequently portrayed as something that can improve; but also, potentially disrupt; the construction sector (CS) as we know it today. As DT requires distributed actions; collaboration; and coordination across inter-organisational boundaries in the sector; we apply an ecosystem perspective to explore the current state of DT in 14 Swedish construction incumbent firms. Findings show the need to address the heterogeneity of the actors; their respective roles; positions in the value chain. The sense of urgency to transform is highest for actors with business models based on selling hours. DT is mainly linked to incremental improvements regarding internal efficiency and cost reductions rather than exploitation of new business models. Finally, the role of leadership in the transformation process is rather absent and the actors take a more reactive role waiting for others to demand change.
| Item Type: | Conference Paper (Paper) |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | digital transformation; disruptive innovation; ecosystem perspective; digital business models |
| Index terms: | exploitation, transformation, value chain, efficiency, construction sector, digital technology, coordination, boundaries, cost reduction, collaboration, business model |
| Subjects: | property law, computing systems, business, industry analysis, value chain strategy, economics, performance management, management |
| Topics: | Supply Chain Management, Quality Management, Digital Applications, Legal Issues, Organizational Design, Research Practice, Cost Management, Business Strategy |
| 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