Key Takeaways
- A study reveals construction professionals in Taiwan struggle to adopt smart city technologies due to organizational barriers.
- Performance expectancy and ease of use are key motivators for technology adoption in the construction sector.
- Leadership support and tailored training programs are essential for enhancing digital transformation efforts.
Adoption Mindset for Smart City Technology
A recent study in SAGE Open explores how construction professionals in Taiwan perceive and adopt smart city technologies. The research focuses on the behavioral and organizational factors that affect the shift towards smarter construction practices. Using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) framework, the study analyzed responses from 335 industry representatives, including workers and managers.
Findings show that performance expectancy—belief in enhanced productivity from technology—is a primary driver of adoption. Construction professionals are more likely to embrace new tools like IoT and AI if they can see tangible benefits in efficiency and quality. Additionally, effort expectancy plays an important role; technologies that are user-friendly facilitate smoother acceptance.
Social influence is another key factor. Recommendations from supervisors and peers significantly impact the willingness of teams to adopt new technologies, mirroring trends seen in other sectors.
Despite the enthusiasm to adopt these technologies, the study identifies notable barriers to implementation. A significant gap exists between intention and actual usage, primarily due to inadequate organizational support. Many firms lack the necessary infrastructure, resources, and training to effectively integrate advanced technologies, especially smaller organizations grappling with financial constraints. Even larger companies often struggle with insufficient training programs, leading to underutilization of available tools.
Younger professionals tend to show greater enthusiasm for digital platforms, yet experience and a proactive approach play crucial roles in actual adoption. Workers with substantial field experience or an inclination to explore new tools are better equipped to foster real usage.
The study calls for systemic changes to expedite digital transformation in Taiwan’s construction sector. Organizational leaders must actively support such change by providing resources, infrastructure, and incentives for effective technology implementation. Establishing comprehensive training programs and a culture of innovation is essential.
Additionally, policy support from government agencies is vital. Frameworks that encourage the adoption of smart technologies—including financial incentives and streamlined regulations—can reduce barriers for smaller firms. Aligning the adoption of these technologies with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) can further enhance their attractiveness.
Lastly, future research should target specific construction sub-sectors, analyzing factors such as salary levels and organizational culture to better understand adoption patterns. Collaboration among academia, industry, and government will be critical in overcoming existing barriers, facilitating a shared vision for successful smart city integration.
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