Title

Hidden innovation in the construction and property sectors

Authors

Peter Barrett, Carl Abbott, Les Ruddock and Martin Sexton, University of Salford, UK

Category

Research paper

Date

December 2007

Abstract

The construction and property industries have a poor reputation for innovation. Indeed, this reputation appears to be backed by official statistics which projects these industries as being devoid of innovative activity. However, the reputation is undeserved, and this paper seeks to explore what the true situation might be. Official statistics misrepresent the extent and nature of innovation in these sectors. A closer analysis reveals that much of the innovation that exists in the sector is hidden from conventional measures. By its nature therefore, it is difficult to measure the precise extent of this innovation and disaggregate it from general improvement. This opaqueness strengthens the need for policymakers, practitioners and researchers within, amongst others, the surveying sector to go beyond the visible spectrum of innovation and design and implement appropriate policies, knowledge bases and practices which engage and leverage the hitherto hidden aspects of innovation.

Brief description

Official statistics for innovation in the construction industry under-estimate the true picture and miss significant areas of innovation.