Unlocking Success: Critical Success Factors (CSF) for Effective Technology Transfer in Digital Construction

Abstract: Technology transfer (TT) is a critical process for enhancing technical capabilities and driving economic and social development. However, the effectiveness of TT, particularly in the construction sectors, remains underexplored. This study aims to identify the critical success factors (CSFs) for effective technology transfer in the digital construction industry. The research addresses two primary questions: (RQ1) What are the CSFs of effective TT in the digital construction industry? (RQ2) How do construction professionals perceive the importance of these CSFs? An online survey using a 5-point Likert scale was conducted among 90 construction professionals in Malaysia to evaluate the perceived importance of 91 critical success factors categorized into External and Internal Factors. The Relative Importance Index (RII) was used to rank the CSFs. The findings reveal that internal factors, particularly technology and management, are perceived as the most critical for effective TT. Continuous technical improvement and strong management support were identified as top priorities. External factors, such as political and bureaucratic influences, were deemed less critical. The study concludes that focusing on internal factors can significantly enhance TT effectiveness in the digital construction industry. These insights provide valuable guidance for stakeholders in resource prioritization and decision-making processes. Despite its limitations, this study fills a significant gap in TT literature and offers a foundation for future research to develop quantitative metrics for evaluating TT effectiveness across different industries.