Why Is Research And Development Essential For Constructing Smarter Buildings?

R&D is the collection of inventive activities conducted by firms or governments in producing new
services and products or enhancing current ones. R&D is the initial step of the creation of a
prospective new service or the manufacturing process. Let’s go through some basics first:
Why is there a lack of innovation in the construction industry?
When it comes to resolving infrastructural difficulties, many construction industry executives and
program managers can be rather inventive. However, participating in an R&D process is not a
simple decision. Many people believe that research is too distant from ordinary life to offer any
economic advantages.
There are institutional reasons for the dearth of interest in R&D as well. Because the business is
made up of huge supply chains, one firm’s development efforts are meaningless if other firms
do not cooperate.
Sometimes, client behavior also discourages R&D spending. When it comes to selecting
vendors, most builders agree that money, not quality, is the deciding factor. However, this might
be due to the fact that money is the sole distinguishing factor among vendors.
Areas in need of research and development:
Efficiency, client orientation and sustainability are the three most pressing areas for construction
sector development.
Productivity gains come from process improvements, the use of digital technologies (particularly
BIM and the internet), and new manufacturing and material technologies. Skilled workers that
are eager to learn are at the heart of production.
Businesses can still get a competitive edge by focusing on sustainability. A recent study
conducted in the United States found that contractors who could construct “green” buildings
were successful despite the economic slump.
Robotic technology will also alter the face of construction. Autonomous robots are currently
prototypes, but they will be available in the not-too-distant future. When 3D printing reaches
maturity, it will have a tremendous influence on construction. We’ll see what happens when the
“internet of things” is combined with 3D printing
.

Research and development is not always about innovation. Many businesses still use traditional
business models. Transforming how you do business might open up entirely new prospects for
development. Innovation in business models is difficult and hazardous, but testing the waters is
less expensive than responding too late.
Process of innovation:
Research and Development should be strategically focused. The management team should be
perfectly clear about what they aim to accomplish and why. This is not to say that trial and error
are forbidden. It is hard to attain complete success in Research and Development. Every
development endeavor, however, offers something useful.
Lack of systematic Research and Development leads to the burden of success being put on
individuals. Their abilities and passion are critical to success. Because the outcomes of
developmental efforts are intended to modify the status quo, managerial support is essential.
Because one firm alone can’t modify how partners and clients work, Research and
Development collaboration is a smart approach, even if it is difficult. A group that shares
objectives and sees how everyone will win in the end is a great beginning point for a Research
and Development relationship. Collaboration takes direction and dedication from each
participating company and combines their efforts to create something innovative.
The need for involving research institutions or building an in-house R&D
team:
Large construction enterprises run their own Research and Development departments with full-
time employees. Smaller businesses might bolster their own workforce with consultancies and
research organizations. Most construction businesses have little to no experience partnering
with academic institutions or research organizations. They may even worry that scholars are too
conceptual and do not comprehend commercial concerns. Sometimes such fear is justified, but
most of the time it is caused by a lack of experience.
Communication is the most significant barrier between corporations and researchers.
Professionals in the construction sector expect researchers to be as transparent as they are in
their own businesses. As clients, they tend to specify their expected results to researchers even
when researchers have research difficulties. When study findings are released, another
communication barrier becomes apparent. Few academics excel in conveying their findings to
entrepreneurs. This might lead to dissatisfaction and reinforce the stereotype that researchers
are only theorists.
Companies that deal with researchers require integrators. They are people who understand the
demands of the organization and can facilitate the execution of research findings. There is no
such thing as a vacuum in business. Cultural, political, technological, and behavioral changes
provide new demands and possibilities for the construction business. When planning

development efforts, businesses should employ knowledge and information about future
demands.
It’s time for the construction industry to involve research and development to construct smarter
buildings. Companies like Ajay Maini Group are already doing it. Go check them out!