Mlecnik, E (2016) Activating the adoption of innovation: Lessons from a passive house network. Built Environment Project and Asset Management, 6(2), pp. 205-217. ISSN 2044-124X
Abstract
Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to explore innovation adoption theory and to define a model to investigate operational activities and communication in innovation networks that can stimulate both supply and demand. It also aims to exemplify this model with the activities of an innovation network dedicated to promoting passive houses. Design/methodology/approach - Autoethnography and literature research were used to develop a model in order to conduct a structured analysis of operational activities and facilitate innovation-decision processes using networks. Data on the activities used to steer client decisions and businesses' innovation were gathered from network archives and from the results of social research methods applied within a passive house network. Findings - The findings reveal that operational activities of multiplayer networks should focus on reinforcing conditions and communicative activities that support innovation-decision processes from one step to the next. In order to activate supply and demand, communication strategies can be modelled to increase the adoption of innovation and continued knowledge generation in networks. Research limitations/implications - Because only one network was evaluated and only the housing sector was exemplified, it may not be possible to generalise the research results. Researchers are therefore encouraged to test the proposed model further. Practical implications - The paper includes the implications of developing activities in innovation networks, in order to guide both businesses and customers through the steps of the adoption-decision process. Social implications - The paper provides insights regarding the uptake of innovation in the construction sector, beyond demonstration projects. Originality/value - This paper connects the innovation adoption to activities of a network in the field of construction.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | innovation; housing; networks; networking; construction industry; green building; business support services; energy saving; passive house; small to medium-sized enterprises |
| Index terms: | networking, strategy, decision process, supply and demand, knowledge generation, innovation adoption, construction sector, business support service, construction industry, housing, passive house, energy-saving, methodology, green building |
| Subjects: | business, construction type, innovation studies, communication, energy systems, knowledge management, research methods, management, design practice, health safety and environment, decision analysis, market analysis, industry analysis |
| Topics: | Health and Safety, Business Strategy, Research Practice, Risk Management, Sustainability, Construction Technology, Digital Applications, Design Practice |
| 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