Revealing the mechanisms of adopting innovative on-site industrialized construction technology: an integrated SEM-ISM method

Purpose On-site industrialized construction (OIC) represents a significant innovation direction for the industrial transformation of the construction industry. However, compared to prefabricated construction (PC) technology, OIC technology has not received sufficient attention. In particular, the lack of mechanisms for the adoption of OIC technology has significantly hindered the innovation and diffusion of this technology. This paper aims to address this gap by identifying the drivers and barriers of OIC technology and exploring the logical relationships among these influencing factors. Design/methodology/approach Therefore, this study aims to analyze the factors influencing OIC technology adoption, focusing on both drivers and barriers, to promote its adoption among construction companies. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) is employed to validate the significance of influencing factors, while interpretive structural modeling (ISM) is utilized to explore the interrelationships among the factors supported by PLS-SEM. Findings The results of PLS-SEM show that relative advantage, regulatory support, top management support, organizational readiness and market demand positively influence adoption intention, while perceived risk, complexity and cost have a negative impact. Additionally, the root driver identified by ISM analysis is labor shortage, and the root barrier is comprehension presents challenges. It is noteworthy that the root driver is derived from market demand, but the low path coefficient for market demand in PLS-SEM indicates limited direct effects. This suggests that market demand influences adoption intention by driving other mediating factors, which still require sufficient attention. Originality/value This study elucidates the factors and mechanisms influencing the adoption of OIC technology, supplementing the knowledge base in the domains of industrialized construction (IC) and engineering technological innovation. Additionally, it offers valuable insights for construction companies actively engaged in construction industrialization reform, facilitating the effective promotion of OIC technology.