Critical success factors of construction research and development

Abstract

Research and development (R&D) activities are important to the construction industry to successfully address the challenges placed upon it and to be competitive. Identifying the factors that influence the success of construction R&D activities is important as such identification would help the research team to concentrate on the most significant and influential factors and the proper management of them to enhance the performance of construction R&D activities. The critical success factors (CSFs) of construction research and development during its different phases namely initiation, conceptualization, development and launch and at the project management stage were evaluated. A questionnaire survey and a series of semi-structured interviews were used to collect the data from academic members and industrial partners who have been involved in construction R&D activities. It revealed that from the initiation to the launch of the R&D project, emphasis was placed on the stakeholders’ satisfaction. In contrast, less attention was given to satisfying the researchers’ requirements during the R&D project. The principal investigator’s role in leading the project and providing sufficient commitment; effective monitoring and controlling of activities, having a proper dissemination plan and effective dissemination of work were also elaborated.