An innovation and technology transfer assessment framework for the construction industry

Nowadays, knowledge and its applications such as innovation and technology transfer activities became crucial in all industries. Despite its conventional structure, construction industry as being one of the main drivers of macroeconomy of countries has a significant role in these developments since the industry comprises of so many sub industries in which construction technologies, new products, new managerial processes, softwares, simulation platforms etc. are developed. In this study, first of all it is aimed at specifying indicators of construction companies' innovation and technology transfer success. Secondly, it is aimed at specifying measure factors of construction companies innovation and technology transfer success. Finally, it is aimed at presenting framework which shows relationships between external factors, internal factors, indicators of construction companies innovation and technology transfer success and indicators of construction industry. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) is used to consist of models in framework. Therefore it was benefited from EQS 6.2 in the context of study. In the context of study 52 questionnaires were collected from construction companies. 85% of these companies are specialized at building facilities. In the light of 52 questionnaire, three models were created for assessment framework. Effect of "resources and capabilities", "project management competencies", and "strategic decisions" on "indicators of construction companies innovation and technology transfer success" were investigated in first model. Model 1 showed that only "project management competencies" have direct relationship with "indicators of construction companies innovation and technology transfer success". Also "project management capabilities" have a role which distributes impact of "resources and capabilities" and "strategic decisions". Model 2 consisted of external factors and "indicators of construction companies innovation and technology transfer success". While "external factors(business environment)" have a direct impact on "indicators of construction companies innovation and technology transfer success", "external factors(general environment)" affect "indicators of construction companies innovation and technology transfer success" via "external factors(business environment". Model 3 was constructed measuring "indicators of construction companies innovation and technology transfer success" effect on "indicators of construction industry". Those three models were analysed with SEM methodology and relationships mentioned in the models were discussed. As consequent, all of models will be used for an innovation and technology transfer assessment framework for the construction industry.