Technology usage, challenges and strategies for Construction 4.0 from the perspective of Malaysian contractors

Purpose The Construction 4.0 approach was introduced as a response to the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), emphasising the need for proper technology adoption in the construction industry. Despite its significance, the construction industry has been identified as a sluggish adopter of 4IR technologies compared to other industries. This study aims to determine current technology usage, identify challenges and propose strategies to accelerate the adoption of Construction 4.0 within the Malaysian construction industry. Design/methodology/approach To accomplish this, a sequential mixed-methods approach was used, combining qualitative and quantitative data collection. In total, 12 respondents from various organisations were interviewed, and a questionnaire survey was administered to 912 contractors representing firms of different sizes. Findings The findings indicate that Construction 4.0 technology is predominantly adopted in large infrastructure and complex building projects. The key technologies include the Internet of Things, cloud computing, advanced building materials, the Industrialised Building System and building information modelling. Through the political, economic, social, technological, environmental and legal framework, challenges and strategies for adopting Construction 4.0 were identified, spanning social, economic, political and technological domains. Malaysian contractors emphasise the critical role of the political domain, suggesting that the authority, public and private clients, technology providers and higher education institutions must play an important part. Practical implications The low adoption of Construction 4.0 technology and the associated challenges require a well-thought-out strategy prioritised under the political domains. Originality/value The usage, challenges and strategies identified by Malaysian contractors serve as a benchmark for a broader discourse on Construction 4.0, enriching discussions surrounding the technological evolution in the construction industry.