Investigating the Challenges of Digitalization in the Construction Industry Using Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM)

Digitalization in the construction industry has lagged behind many other sectors. Given the significant contribution of this sector to national economies, its slow progress in digital transformation negatively affects not only the construction industry itself but also the overall economic performance of countries. In developing countries in particular, it is essential for construction companies to identify the barriers to digitalization and take necessary measures in order to remain competitive in an increasingly challenging market environment. In this context, the present study addresses five key challenges to digitalization in the construction industry. These challenges were identified through an extensive literature review and evaluated using the Interpretive Structural Modelling (ISM) method based on expert opinions. Based on the hierarchical challenge structure derived from the ISM analysis, the foundational challenges in the digitalization of the construction industry were identified as Applications and Company Management.