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A survey-based mapping of the building and construction entrepreneurial ecosystem

Abstract

The architecture, engineering and construction sector has long been known for its traditional methods and slow adoption of innovations. However, technologies such as Internet
of Things, Big Data, Artificial Intelligence and robotics have led to significantly increased development and use of innovative tools and processes in the architecture, engineering and construction sector. This article presents the results of an explorative online survey of the
sector’s entrepreneurial ecosystem carried out in spring 2023. It aims to identify the most promising technologies, quantify their potential, and investigate the dynamics of startups’ collaboration with academia. The results show that most startups focus on addressing the construction phase (76.1%) of the building life cycle, while only 15.9% deal with the end-of-life phase. Developed technologies most commonly include Data analytics and Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. While 64% of startups consider collaboration with academia important, respondents identified several barriers and challenges of collaborating, such as bureaucracy and time-consuming processes. We conclude with a discussion on entrepreneurial ecosystems and academia-startup collaboration.

Category

Academic lecture

Client

  • EC/H2020 / 958450
  • Swedish research council for sustainable development / 2022-00102

Language

English

Affiliation

  • SINTEF Community / Architecture, Materials and Structures
  • Royal Institute of Technology

Presented at

World Sustainable Built Environment Conference 2024 (WSBE24)

Date

12.06.2024 - 14.06.2024

Year

2024

External resources

View this publication at Cristin