Commercializing Construction Research

Conditions necessary for successfully commercializing construction research are discussed in this paper. The paper starts with a definition of research as any investigation leading to development of new ideas, products, techniques, or approaches. Research may be either step change with focus on immediate paybacks, or longer-term, more fundamental exploration. In construction, shorter investigations are the norm. An important benefit of research is the signal that the investment sends throughout the organization. Namely, that the process of change is supported. Supporting change in one area may encourage others in the organization to try new ideas. Such unpredictable benefits make it difficult to evaluate research investment on a cost basis. Change is often successful when conducted in partnership with other affiliated groups. In construction, owners, designers, labor, suppliers, and subcontractors might be brought into any investigation both to help bear the costs and to advise the direction of study. Finally, the paper reviews several approaches for identifying appropriate targets for research. Diversification of research efforts and a segmentation strategy have been found useful.