Date: 8 April 2008
Venue: Salford
Speakers: Professor Terrence Fernando, University of Salford; Nigel McKay, Bovil Lend Lease; Nick Bean, UCI
Description: Over the last decade, there have been significant investments in ICT (Information and Communication Technology) research in the support of deployment and creation of advanced IT systems with the aim of improving the competitiveness and innovation of the Construction Industry. Part of that research was carried out by industry in the way of “self-innovation” but the majority of the research was carried out by academic institutions in collaboration with industry. Industry participation, whilst costly, is extremely important in contributing practical experience to the research and helping to ensure it meets industry needs. The general sought outcomes of such research include:
Creating and advancing knowledge
Maintaining and enhancing professional competence
Configuring and generating knowledge for strategic purposes
Ensuring knowledge exchange with other countries and industries
Informing and enhancing the quality of graduates
To be competitive in today’s markets, companies need to be innovative and continuously improving. In order to achieve this, the right practices, tools and environments have to be created to unleash creative potential, deliver superior performance and build a sustainable innovative culture. The recently published Fairclough report highlighted collaboration between academia and industry as a key contributor to this matter. Although academia and industry have worked together for a long time, the question remains "What impact does collaborative research have on industry and how can it be assessed or measured?". Addressing this question will not only improve industry awareness but will also act as a catalyst to help stimulate a culture in industry which encourages innovation as the driver for change.
Note: CIRIA Core and CPN members may request electronic copies of these notes free of charge by email to: enquiries@ciria.org.
Keywords: project management, building technology, procurement, construction management, IT
regulation, risk and value management, whole life costing, knowledge management, off-site production
Price: £25.00
