The resistance to innovation in civil construction is a reality. Many companies still use traditional management methods and processes, which limits efficiency and competitiveness. This edition of Construct IN Talks, held in partnership with Autosite in October 2024,  offered a unique opportunity for construction project managers to explore the best practices and solutions that are transforming the way their projects are conducted from planning to execution.

The adoption of new technologies can transform processes, but the transition requires significant effort and a change in mindset. The difficulty in integrating these innovations into the daily work of construction sites is one of the main challenges for the sector, which has been investing in creating specific departments  to circumvent these obstacles. 

Main difficulties in innovating in construction companies

Shirlei D’Amico, Head of Innovation at Grupo HTB, sees three major obstacles within companies in the sector when it comes to implementing innovations and technologies to optimize processes:

1. Resistance to change: many teams are accustomed to traditional methods and hesitate to adopt new practices. This resistance may be fueled by fear of the unknown or by a lack of understanding of the benefits that innovation can bring.

2. Cost: implementing new technologies generally requires significant investments. This includes not only the acquisition of tools but also costs related to training and adapting processes. For many companies, these costs can seem prohibitive.

3. Technical qualification: the lack of qualified professionals to operate new technologies is a constant challenge. Often, companies do not have access to adequate training or cannot attract talent with the necessary skills.

Structuring teams to operate technology

Innovation is not just about adopting new tools; it also involves preparing teams. It is essential that companies invest in training and professional development. This includes:

• Regular training: offering courses and workshops to ensure that all employees are updated on the technologies used.

• Innovation culture: fostering an environment where employees feel comfortable suggesting improvements and experimenting with new approaches.

• Team integration: promoting collaboration among different departments so that everyone understands the impact of innovations on the company's overall processes.

Overcoming the cost barrier

To overcome the high costs associated with innovation, companies can consider some strategies:

• Strategic partnerships: collaborating with startups or research institutions can reduce costs and accelerate the innovation process.

• Focus on the medium/long term: the Return on Investment (ROI) of an innovation is not always 100% accurate. When implementing new initiatives, everyone is adapting to the new process, the new tool, and often it is not yet known how to measure it. 

Resilience

Efficient management of developments requires an innovative approach that goes beyond simply adopting technology. Facing the barriers of resistance to change, high costs, and technical qualification is essential to transform the civil construction sector. With resilience and  a strategic plan focused on training teams and seeking viable financial solutions, companies can not only survive but thrive in an increasingly competitive market.

The event

The meeting brought together developers of various sizes in São Paulo to attend the panel with Tales Silva (CEO of Construct IN), Shirlei D’Amico (Head of Innovation at Grupo HTB), and Renan Galvão (CEO of Autosite).

Check out the full lecture here.