Digital innovation in construction - Crossing boundaries to collaborate

Abstract

This seminar is part of the the MSc in Advanced Construction Project Management, part of the Construction Project Management-Planning and Control module. It discusses how the fourth industrial revolution or industry 4.0 introduces automation and digital technologies that leverage the power of cyber-physical systems. In construction, the transition from analogue to digital processes – that is digitisation – is increasingly gaining traction. Digitalisation includes working with various technologies such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), the Internet of Things (IoT), cloud-computing, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Blockchain under the premise that these will become increasingly integrated and connected in the future.

To this end, to collaborate using these innovations, construction practices first become hybrid before fully becoming digitally transformed. During this hybrid phase, organisations, teams and individuals cross various boundaries and develop liminal roles to collaborate. The session will discuss the interfaces between digital technologies and agencies, such as supply chains, projects, organisations and individuals, and the boundaries they are called to cross in order to collaborate with digital and conclude with propositions for aligning management with the digital future of construction.