Fostering prefabrication in construction projects – case MEP in Finland

Prefabrication increases construction project performance. However, the construction sector has not widely adopted it in Finland. This study focuses on understanding the barriers, enablers, value addition, and value capture of different construction project stakeholders when implementing mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) prefabrication. Based on a literature study and semi-structured interviews, the paper proposes that the implementation of MEP prefabrication should be seen as a challenge of implementing a systemic innovation. The implementation of a systemic innovation necessitates the buy-in of main project stakeholders, namely the owner, designers, general contractor, MEP sub-contractors, and MEP fabricator. This study provides evidence of the value added activities of each stakeholder to implement MEP prefabrication. The study implies that MEP prefabrication can be a ‘win-win’ situation for all stakeholders of a project network, which at its best, can be described as a project ecosystem. The research proposes ways to boost MEP prefabrication in construc-tion projects.