Strategies for drone adoption in construction sector: a TOPSIS and 5W2H approach for decision-making

Purpose This study aims to identify and prioritize critical barriers to drone deployment in the construction sector, which faces unique challenges due to regulatory, technical and socio-environmental factors. Design/methodology/approach This research identifies barriers related to the implementation of drone in the construction sector through a literature review of peer-reviewed journal articles and construction industry experts. The study uses the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) to systematically evaluate and rank barriers to drone implementation. Data was gathered through expert surveys, providing insights from experienced professionals within the construction sector. Finally, the possible strategies using 5W2H approach and framework for barrier management are proposed. Findings Results indicate that regulatory restrictions and legal liability for accidents are the top-ranked barriers, followed closely by ethical considerations, limited payload capacity and limited battery life. The study proposes a barrier management framework, providing actionable strategies to address these high-impact barriers for smoother drone adoption. Research limitations/implications The study is limited to the perspectives of developing countries of construction sector professionals and focuses on a specific set of identified barriers. Broader generalizability may require further research across different countries or industries. Practical implications For practitioners, the findings offer a clear roadmap to navigate the complex landscape of drone deployment, addressing regulatory, ethical and technical issues. For academia, the study provides a foundation for future research on drone technology’s impact on construction practices. Originality/value This research uniquely focuses on drone-specific barriers rather than broad Construction 4.0 concerns and applies TOPSIS coupled with a 5W2H strategy framework to provide actionable, high-priority interventions tailored to the developing countries construction context.