Building the digital age: management of digital transformation in the construction industry

This study aims to deepen the understanding of digital transformation in the construction industry. While studies on digital transformation exist at the industry level, studies at the company level, looking at how companies can proactively manage change, are largely missing. This study addresses this gap by exploring how three companies in the construction industry are navigating and leveraging digital transformation for international growth. Employing a multiple case study methodology and a systemic framework, the research provides insights into the interplay of technological innovation, business development, and ecosystem evolution through company cases. The research synthesizes and details three key barriers to managing digital transformation in the construction sector: (1) fragmentation, (2) insufficient demand from clients, and (3) limited influence of a single actor in the ecosystem, and three key drivers: (1) shift to data-driven industry, (2) targeted technological solutions, and (3) standardization and process modification. This study pairs the barriers and drivers with relevant managerial actions, and dimensional positioning to provide new valuable insights on digital transformation in the construction industry and beyond. The research provides insights both for construction industry companies and researchers seeking to manage digital transformation.