Roadmap to Construction Industry Innovation

Many individuals from the building industry have freely provided information about the nature of the industry; the participants in the Focus Groups each spent a day discussing the nature and future of the building industry. Their contribution to the project has been substantial.

These recommendations build on the work of our industry consultation, on Federal and State Government initiatives in the construction industry, the work of the CRC for Construction Innovation, and the experience of similar initiatives in other countries.

A critical issue discussed at length with industry participants was identifying a consensus for change in the industry, and how to promote that change.  The industry participants articulated a clear view of the need for significant change, and also believed the industry would not change without a program of government incentives.  Generally, industry participants were sceptical that significant government intervention in construction markets would occur at any level other than industry legislation.  A significant conclusion from the CWIC project is that it will require both Industry and Government intervention if change is to be initiated.  Relying solely on industry initiatives and support will ensure that change will be slow, inefficient and fragmented at best.

The programs described in this roadmap are extensive, and support for many of them does not exist at present.  This roadmap isn't looking for easy routes, just the most valuable ones.  Developing a consensus for the program below will take time, but it will also take a developing will and commitment of resources.  We are looking for ways to focus the industry on the opportunities available through improved collaboration, processes, and structures.

The Roadmap recommendations are divided into four sections.  The first outlines immediate, short, medium, and long term recommendations for action.  The second then suggests that a project currently under development in Australia (and initiated overseas) is used as a seeding agent for change.  Third, a series of Industry Strategies is then proposed which will facilitate long term activities which will ensure that the development and implementation of ICT in the construction industry in Australia will be world class.  Finally, there is a list of actions ( see CWIC report ) and activities which are required of Government and Industry increased ICT utilisation and development is to take place into the long term future.