Adopting Lean Construction in SMEs: A Narrative Review on Benefits, Barriers, and Practical Solutions

Lean Construction (LC) has emerged as a transformative methodology to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance sustainability in the construction industry. However, its adoption among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) remains limited due to financial, organizational, and cultural barriers. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the challenges and opportunities associated with LC adoption in SMEs, drawing on key studies from diverse geographic and industrial contexts. In particular, this review highlights critical factors such as leadership commitment, employee resistance, limited resources, and the need for tailored training programs. Furthermore, this review also examines regional disparities in LC implementation emphasizing the influence of cultural and economic conditions on adoption rates. In addition, the role of digital tools, including Building Information Modeling (BIM), and the integration of LC with modular construction are explored as pathways to enhance SME adoption. Finally, this review proposes a blueprint for SMEs to adopt LC, structured into seven actionable phases: leadership commitment, baseline assessment, pilot implementation, scaling practices, leveraging technology, fostering continuous improvement, and addressing SME-specific challenges. This framework emphasizes low-cost Lean tools, participative leadership, and strategic partnerships to overcome resource and capacity limitations. In conclusion, this review underscores the potential for LC to revolutionize SME operations by fostering a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration. By adopting the proposed framework, SMEs can achieve significant efficiency gains and position themselves as competitive players in the construction industry while contributing to broader sustainability goals