Infrastructure megaprojects as enablers of digital innovation transitions

Abstract

The use of the multi-level view on the process of digital innovation in the UK construction system, offers an alternative view on the process. Digital innovations are produced and shaped by the interplay of institutional and organisational factors. The chapter discusses the role of actors who moved across infrastructure megaprojects and institutions and influenced digital innovation in socio-technical niches. The chapter contributes to our understanding of the importance of infrastructure megaprojects as potential niches of digital innovation. Another emergent finding relates to the role of institutions and actors in leading digital innovation through these infrastructure megaprojects. From the data presented, four discrete transition pathways of digital innovation (substitution, transformation, reconfiguration and re-alignment) emerged the last few decades due to varying interactions among institutions, actors and infrastructure megaprojects. Digital innovation became legitimised through standards emerging from infrastructure megaprojects.