Understanding the innovation adoption process of construction clients

Although the role of clients in stimulating construction innovation seems to be controversial, little has been known about their innovation adoption behaviour. This paper presents first results of an ongoing research project the aim of which is to shed more light on the adoption processes of construction clients. We build up a conceptual framework that describes innovation adoption as a communication process. Furthermore, we highlight and discuss the main findings of a case about the adoption of a temporary construction for the maintenance of a motorway bridge. Thus far we conclude from our findings that a more accelerated diffusion of construction innovation requires that the client has a thorough understanding of the problem an innovation is intended to solve. Furthermore, there must be improved dissemination and availability of information about similar solutions applied in previous projects and, for large-scale structural changes, ideas must be considered either in advance or at an early stage of a project.