User-Driven Innovation in a Construction Material Supply Network

Søren Wandahl a, Alexia Jacobsen b, Astrid Heidemann Lassen b, Søren Bolvig Poulsen c, Henrik Sørensen

b

a) Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Aalborg University Denmark

b) Center for Industrial Production, Aalborg University Denmark

c) Department of Architecture and Design, Aalborg University Denmark

Abstract Purpose: User-Driven Innovation has proven to successfully increase the value of products and services in single companies with direct linkages to the end-user. The construction material industry has often no direct linkages to the end-user, due to supply networks through builder merchants. Moreover, a lack of user knowledge is common in such networks, and companies rarely have explicit knowledge on how their products and services are in fact used and valued by their end-users. Thus, it is clear that User-Driven Innovation is not directly applicable to the construction material industry without further developments.

Hence, the purpose of this research is to demonstrate that a network perspective is essential when adapting and implementing User-Driven Innovation in the construction material industry. Moreover, the aim of the research is to let the advantages of doing so surface.

Methodology: The research design includes a number of different approaches and types of interaction between the researchers and industry. Additionally, an extensive literature review on User-Driven Innovation is carried out to identify variables necessary for successful adaptation to a network perspective.

Findings: The conclusion of this research validates that a network approach to adapting User-Driven Innovation in the construction material industry is a precondition for a successful innovation journey. Also concluded is that by adapting the network perspective new value adding potentials become visible, which could have a huge impact on innovation, effectiveness, efficiency, etc. in the construction material industry.

Originality: This research adds to the body of knowledge on how to implement User-Driven Innovation in a supply network by developing a framework for such an innovation process.

Key Words: User-Driven Innovation, Construction Material Industry, Network

The framework has its outset in any given generic new product development model with a logical sequence of steps. However, the framework is further developed into defining the networks activities, the internal activities, and the user oriented activities needed.

Paper type: Research paper