‘Co-evolution through interaction’ of innovative building technologies: The case of modular integrated construction and robotics

Abstract

Emerging innovative building technologies offer unprecedented opportunities for accelerating transitions of the construction industry. To unlock the full potential of these technologies, their interactions should be conceptualised within co-evolution and transitions contexts. This paper develops a new theory to examine the ‘co-evolution through interaction’ of innovative building technologies. Drawing on the socio-technical transitions and technology interaction theories, a conceptual model was proposed, defining three interaction modes. The model was contextualised and verified using empirical case study of two innovative building technologies: modular integrated construction and robotics adopted in Hong Kong. The results demonstrate and characterise the co-evolution patterns of these technologies in bounded competition, adaptable neutralism, and reinforced symbiosis. The findings reveal that interaction modes are transferable during the technology co-evolution, which provides a theoretical foundation for understanding the interaction complexity and guides the formulation of policy and managerial strategies towards the future symbiotic development of innovative building technologies. © 2019 Elsevier B.V.