Emerging technologies in the construction industry: challenges and strategies in Ghana

Abstract

PurposeThe momentous contribution of innovative technologies has made a significant impact in several sectors globally. However, the construction industry is undoubtedly lagging when it comes to technology usage. Thus, this study aims to explore the various emerging technologies in the construction industry while noticing stakeholders’ challenges and strategies in its use.Design/methodology/approachThe study used a pragmatism research philosophy together with a quantitative research strategy in determining emerging technologies in the construction industry while noticing stakeholder challenges and strategies. Data were obtained from a total of 80 construction stakeholders through a structured questionnaire survey. The analysis was done with descriptive statistics using mean score ranking and a one-sample t-test.FindingsEach emerging technology challenge was analysed and compared to see how pressing the challenges were as well as the aligned strategies. A key indication of this study is that the familiarity of the various emerging technologies was based on how many occasions one had an encounter with the technology.Practical implicationsThe discussion’s findings contribute to a better knowledge to construction stakeholders on the challenges and strategies for rising technology adoption and implementation competencies.Originality/valueThe study reckoned stakeholders’ challenges on the emerging technologies in the construction industry context and recommended strategies to balloon the adoption of these emerging technologies in a developing country setting.