ICT adoption and diffusion in the construction industry of a developing economy: The case of the sultanate of Oman

Abstract

The government of the Sultanate of Oman has launched a long-term development strategy, the ‘Oman Vision 2020’ plan, which focuses on Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and the fundamental establishment of a knowledge economy. However, the Omani construction sector, in particular, is lagging behind this vision. There are a number of limitations and barriers to the effective development of the industry, and a considerable gap exists between the modus operandi of the construction sectors in developed economies and that in Oman. This study aims to develop an in-depth and evidenced understanding of the structure, current practices, limitations and barriers, as well as specific characteristics of construction in Oman. The results reveal a number of socio-cultural and regulatory barriers reflected in a lack of (i) ICT strategic thinking in the surveyed organizations hindered by short-term cost and profit concerns and (ii) awareness, training and education programmes.