Koukkari, H (2010) Transformation of a research centre toward an innovation partner in the construction sector. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 17(1), pp. 89-98. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to study innovation processes of the construction sector from the viewpoints of research-based consultation at VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland. Design/methodology/approach - The starting point of an internal analysis and benchmarking concerning the role of a research centre come from a Finnish product manufacturer that challenged its capacity to a short introduction lead-time. Understanding as an opportunity, a core team is set up representing different expertises, and a co-operation project is proposed to the manufacturer. In addition, an in-house follow-up project is created. After completing successfully the product development project, and based upon findings of the follow-up project, a feasibility study is conducted concerning consultation packages for development of construction products and concepts. However, during this study phase, the objective of packages is replaced by an ideal of a collaborative process that integrates competencies, tools, and management of a research and development organisation, and links them to those of the customer. Findings - The process model of a multi-disciplinary commercialized research-based consultation is a new way to organise work of a research centre, and its core is collaboration with the customer. During the follow-up process, feasibility study and development of a research-based process, approaches of the Action Research were applied. A market study and two external evaluations were made that gave partly consistent partly inconsistent results with the learning outcome concerning appeal of the new type of partnership. New sector-wide strategies at the national and European level show however that key findings were justified. Next challenges in the development of the multi-disciplinary innovation services concern internationalisation, external networking and globalisation. Originality/value - The paper offers insight into the transformation of a research centre into an innovation partner with the construction industry.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | action research; construction industry; Finland; innovation; partnership; research organizations |
| Index terms: | action research, feasibility study, manufacturer, strategy, networking, globalization, methodology, collaboration, research and development, construction product, benchmarking, product development, construction sector, package, research centre, transformation, internationalization, Finland, partnership, learning outcome, construction industry |
| Subjects: | construction type, data collection methods, business, practitioner, innovation studies, communication, design stages, contractual arrangements, economic analysis, performance measurement, management, research methods, Geography, partnership management, research management, industry analysis, student development, economic factors |
| Topics: | Construction Technology, Procurement, Roles and Professions, Stakeholder Management, Geographical Context, Research Practice, Business Strategy, Organizational Design, Education, International Construction, Quality Management, Digital Applications, Design Practice |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTE |
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