Innovation in Construction – What’s it Worth?
We hear a lot about the need for the construction industry to be more innovative. But is there a shared understanding of what this means and why it matters so much? What’s the purpose of innovation in construction and how do you know when it’s happening?
Rather than attempt an all-encompassing definition, we’ll explain what innovation means to us. There are two key conditions: first, innovation involves a substantial change in process, technology or both; second, it has to be practical and available, rather than just an idea.
These qualifications are important because they relate to the purpose of innovation, which is to create value.
Product and Process
Small process changes such as increasing the pre manufactured content by a few percent is process improvement rather than innovation. Innovation in construction means building a new process around the unique capabilities of offsite methods to deliver a step change in productivity, quality and outcomes for occupants.
When we started using panelised offsite methods over 15 years ago we redesigned our entire project delivery process around the capabilities of the technology. We also leveraged the direct links between design and manufacturing to give end users more influence over the details of the final building.
The availability element of innovation means knowing how to put radically different products and processes into action in a commercially-viable way – so people experience the maximum benefit. Inventions and ideas only become innovations in the hands of people with the expertise to put them into practice.
Innovation is Ongoing
Adopting a technology-driven approach across all business activities is a key part of making construction more innovative. Technology and continuous R&D investment drives everything: the choice of construction methods and products, design, communication, project control and information sharing.
Any innovative organisation also understands the gaps in its own experience and understanding. Osborne actively pursues relationships with technical supply chain partners who bring different perspectives and who can keep the wheels of change moving. We also cultivate long-term relationships with architects and other specialists to deliver the benefits of innovation throughout the lifecycle.
If you would like to ask us any questions about our approach to design, development or project delivery, contact Caroline Compton-James ([email protected]) or visit our resource centre.
