Untangling innovation diffusion in construction projects: a configural analysis of project attribute and corporate strategy

Purpose Technological innovation diffusion, a complicated issue in construction project management, is conducive to promoting construction innovation and upgrading industrial technology. Although previous studies have investigated the factors affecting innovation diffusion, their variable-centered approaches miss the configurations of diffusion paths. By combining the factors of project attributes, innovation types and control mechanisms, this study explored their configurational effects on innovation diffusion at the project and firm levels. Design/methodology/approach A fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis was adopted to examine all associated configurations by collecting 229 questionnaires from construction projects. Findings Innovations driven by corporate strategies were more likely to diffuse to become a firm-level mainstream product than those relying on a single project. The efficient allocation of resources fostered innovation diffusion, whereas controlling process behavior was especially crucial for important projects. Furthermore, both exploratory and exploitative innovation types were conducive to innovation diffusion for important projects but not necessary for routine and complex ones. Additionally, exploratory innovation should be accompanied by efficient resource allocation to enhance subsequent diffusion, whereas exploitative innovation requires flexible control over process management. Originality/value This study expands the theoretical understanding of innovation diffusion by matching organizational and innovative elements in a configurational approach from the perspective of projects and firms. It also provides guidance for practitioners to design different elements to match projects and promote innovation diffusion.