Abstract
PurposeThis paper aims to focus on 11 digital technologies (i.e. building information modeling, artificial intelligence and machine learning, 3D scanning, sensors, robots/automation, digital twin, virtual reality, 3D printing, drones, cloud computing and self-driving vehicles) that are portrayed in future trend reports and hype curves. The study concentrates on the current usage and knowledge of digital technologies in the Swedish architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry to gain an insight in the possible expectations and future trajectory of these digital technologies.Design/methodology/approachThe study applies an abductive approach which is based on three different types of methods. These methods are a literature and document study which focused on 11 digital technologies, two workshops with industry (13 participants) and an online survey (N = 84).FindingsThe paper contributes to a current state analysis of the Swedish AEC industry concerning digital technologies and discusses the trajectory of these technologies for the AEC industry. The paper identifies hype factors, in which the knowledge of a digital technology is related to its usage. From the hype factors, four zones that show different stages of digital technology usage and maturity in the industry are induced.Originality/valueThe contribution of the paper is twofold. The paper shows insight into opportunities, the current barriers, use and knowledge of digital technologies for the different actors in the AEC industry. Furthermore, the study shows that the AEC industry is behind the traditional Gartner hype curves and contributes with defining four zones for digital technologies for the Swedish AEC industry: confusion, excitement, experimentation and integration.
Highlights
An increased focus has been on digital technologies and trends toward digitalization in the architecture, engineering and construction industries (AEC)
Lack of competence (19%): during the workshop, participants mentioned the lack of Hype factor of competence and the need for training in the digital technologies as well as new digital competence that would need to be introduced from different disciplines and industries to incorporate these new technologies
The results present insight regarding the strategic choice of different actors in the Swedish AEC industry in which technology they will prioritize or invest in the coming five years, as well as the time needed to adopt the technology in the organization
Summary
An increased focus has been on digital technologies and trends toward digitalization in the architecture, engineering and construction industries (AEC). Digital technologies can be defined as advanced information and communication technologies and tools used in amplifying productivity across the construction life cycle Many perceive the new digitalization trends as possibilities to improve performance and productivity within the AEC industry (cf Lavikka et al, 2018), two parameters that have been discussed at length both in academic literature and in industry. Research has recognized that the industry is perceived as lagging in technology adoption and implementation (Chowdhury et al, 2019; Sepasgozar et al, 2016)
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