Annual debate: Standards and guidance – a throttle to innovation?



Background
Research and innovation are critical to the aspirations of the construction sector and the UK more broadly. Indeed, innovation has the potential for a transformative impact upon a sector which is often traditional in its approach, but for which change is required.

Knowing that a new technology must conform to certain standards and guidance can be crucial in enabling confidence in its adoption ensuring safety, quality and consistency. But do standards and guidance unduly restrict or hinder innovation or act as a stimulus?

Outcome
This debate tackled fundamental issues surrounding standards and guidance in construction with a playful and combative format designed to spark critical discussion.