Productivity gains drive interest, but support lags in smart city tech adoption

Despite strong intentions to adopt smart city technologies, the study uncovers a clear gap between intention and real-world usage. One of the most significant barriers is the lack of facilitating conditions within organizations. Many construction firms lack the infrastructure, resources, and training programs needed to support seamless integration of advanced technologies.

The global race toward smart cities is reshaping industries, but the construction sector, a cornerstone of urban development, is struggling to keep pace with digital transformation. A new study published in SAGE Open examines the factors influencing how construction professionals in Taiwan perceive, accept, and adopt smart city technologies.

The research "Investigating the Adoption Mindset of Smart City Technology Within the Construction Sector" provides a comprehensive look at the behavioral and organizational dynamics drivin, and in some cases stalling, the shift toward smarter, more sustainable construction practices.

Understanding what drives adoption

The study utilizes the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) framework to analyze the mindset of construction professionals in Taiwan. Data was collected through surveys completed by 335 respondents representing a cross-section of the industry, including field workers, engineers, and managers. The research aimed to identify which factors most strongly affect the intention to adopt digital tools, such as Internet of Things (IoT) systems, artificial intelligence platforms, and data-driven project management applications that underpin smart city initiatives.

The results show that performance expectancy, the belief that technology improves productivity and competitiveness, is a primary motivator for adoption. Professionals who see clear benefits in terms of efficiency and quality are significantly more inclined to embrace new technologies. Effort expectancy, or the ease of learning and using these tools, also plays a pivotal role, suggesting that intuitive and user-friendly systems accelerate acceptance.

The study also highlights the power of social influence. Recommendations or endorsements from supervisors, peers, or industry leaders carry considerable weight, often acting as a catalyst for wider adoption within teams and organizations. This aligns with patterns seen in other technology-driven industries, where leadership advocacy often drives cultural and operational shifts.

Barriers holding back implementation

Despite strong intentions to adopt smart city technologies, the study uncovers a clear gap between intention and real-world usage. One of the most significant barriers is the lack of facilitating conditions within organizations. Many construction firms lack the infrastructure, resources, and training programs needed to support seamless integration of advanced technologies.

This disconnect is particularly evident in smaller firms, where financial constraints and limited technical expertise hinder investments in digital transformation. Even in larger organizations, the absence of comprehensive training and support systems often leads to underutilization of available tools.

The findings also reveal that while younger professionals are often more enthusiastic about adopting digital platforms, experience and voluntariness, the willingness to independently explore and integrate new tools, are stronger predictors of actual usage. Workers with extensive field experience or a proactive approach to learning are better positioned to bridge the gap between intention and adoption.

Building a smarter construction future

The study calls for systemic changes to accelerate technology adoption in Taiwan’s construction sector. Organizational leadership must play an active role in driving digital transformation by providing the resources, infrastructure, and incentives necessary for effective implementation. This includes establishing training programs, offering technical support, and promoting a culture that values innovation and experimentation.

Policy support is also critical. Government agencies and industry associations can play a pivotal role in creating frameworks that encourage the adoption of smart technologies. This includes financial incentives, streamlined regulatory pathways, and public-private partnerships that lower barriers for smaller firms.

The researchers emphasize that aligning technology adoption with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) can further strengthen its appeal. Smart construction technologies are vital for achieving goals such as sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11), industry innovation and infrastructure (SDG 9), and climate action (SDG 13). By framing adoption within the broader context of sustainability and competitiveness, stakeholders can drive greater engagement across the sector.

Additionally, leveraging the influence of industry leaders and early adopters can accelerate cultural shifts within organizations. Case studies, success stories, and peer-to-peer knowledge sharing can help overcome resistance and build confidence in the value of digital transformation.

A roadmap for future research and policy

Future work should focus on examining the adoption patterns within specific sub-sectors, such as high-rise construction, infrastructure projects, and public works, to develop tailored strategies for each segment.

Moreover, the role of additional factors, such as salary levels, organizational culture, and regulatory environments, warrants deeper analysis. These variables may shed light on why certain firms or demographics are more receptive to technological change than others.

The findings also suggest that collaboration between academia, industry, and government will be essential for overcoming structural barriers. By fostering a shared vision for smart city integration, stakeholders can create an ecosystem where innovation thrives, and the benefits of technology adoption are broadly realized.