Evaluating innovation diffusion readiness among architectural and engineering design firms: Empirical evidence from Australia

Published Date
November 2012, Vol.27:50–59, doi:10.1016/j.autcon.2012.05.009

Title 
Evaluating innovation diffusion readiness among architectural and engineering design firms: Empirical evidence from Australia

• Author 

• Kriengsak Panuwatwanich ^,
• Rodney A. Stewart 

• Griffith School of Engineering, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Queensland 4222, Australia

Accepted 9 May 2012. Available online 2 June 2012.

Abstract

This paper conceptualises the development of an innovation diffusion readiness (IDR) framework used for monitoring innovation diffusion maturity levels within the architectural and engineering design (AED) firm context. To achieve this, a survey was conducted with a number of Australian AED firms, using a validated survey instrument developed elsewhere. The key findings based on the study sample of 158 professionals representing 44 AED firms showed that the overall level of IDR among the sampled firms was moderate to high. Using cluster analysis, three main clusters of these firms were uncovered: Very High, High and Moderate IDR. Further analysis indicated that clusters with higher IDR appeared to perform significantly better in diffusing innovative design practices. This finding highlighted that firms shifting to a higher IDR cluster could achieve a significant improvement in the diffusion of this type of innovation. The paper also provided a number of recommendations for future research.

Highlights

► This research conceptualises an innovation diffusion readiness (IDR) framework. ► IDR levels of Australian architectural and engineering design firms were assessed. ► Three main clusters of sampled firms based on three IDR levels were identified. ► Higher IDR clusters were found to be better in diffusing innovative design practice.

Keywords

• Australia
• Architect
• Cluster analysis
• Design
• Innovation diffusion
• Readiness
• Engineer

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  Corresponding author. Tel.: + 61 7 5552 7357; fax: + 61 7 5552 8065.

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