Readiness and Transition to Smart Construction Technologies

This research investigates the readiness and transition towards Smart Construction Technologies (SCTs) in the construction industries of New Zealand and Vietnam. SCTs—including Building Information Modelling (BIM), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Digital Twins (DT), the Internet of Things (IoT), and automation – are rapidly transforming how construction projects are planned, executed and managed. These technologies offer substantial benefits in terms of efficiency, cost-effectiveness, sustainability and innovation.

Despite global momentum, the level of SCT adoption varies significantly across regions due to differences in digital maturity, policy environments, organisational structures and resource availability. New Zealand represents a developed construction market with increasing attention to digital integration and sustainability, while Vietnam is a fast-developing economy where SCT uptake is emerging but remains under-researched.

The primary aim of this study is to explore how construction professionals in each country perceive and engage with SCTs, assess their organisational readiness, and identify context-specific barriers and opportunities. The research adopts a qualitative methodology based on semi-structured interviews with industry professionals across a range of roles and organisation types. Through thematic analysis, the study will provide in-depth, contextualised insights into how SCTs are understood, prioritised and implemented in both settings.

The comparative design of this study adds significant value by enabling an analysis of both shared and distinct factors influencing SCT adoption in different national contexts. It will inform practical, tailored recommendations for industry stakeholders and contribute to policy development and workforce capacity-building initiatives in both countries. The study also contributes to the broader academic discourse on construction digitalisation by highlighting the influence of cultural, regulatory, and organisational dynamics on technology adoption. It will support more inclusive and effective digital transition strategies in the construction sector, particularly within the Asia–Pacific region.