Abstract:
Purpose – Knowledge-based economies are popular in the present world. Simultaneously, universities are
becoming more responsible for leading economic development through research. As a key contributor to
the national economy, it is vital for the construction industry to move beyond outdated practices, and
hence, reviewing the role of academic research in empowering the construction industry with knowledge is
essential. The purpose of this paper is to focus on how relevant theories conceptualise the expected role of
academic research in the innovative development of an industry and the specific location in the Sri Lankan
construction industry.
Design/methodology/approach – Following a comprehensive literature review, empirical data were
collected from the Sri Lankan context with a mixed approach informed by a pragmatist philosophical stance.
The perspective of academia and industry practitioners were deductively obtained through surveys and
inductively explored through qualitative interviews.
Findings – This study provides evidence that academic research in Sri Lanka does not contribute effectively
to innovative construction management. Due to the absence of industry-focussed knowledge dissemination
strategies, the academic–industry relationships are mostly non-research based. The industry lacks in
research-informed-decision making, leading to lesser innovations.
Research limitations/implications – The research conclusions are more applicable to the developing
country construction industry contexts.
Practical implications – The research urges the need for improved academic–industry research
collaborations and strategic knowledge dissemination movements.
Originality/value – The research confirms that academic research is a major integral part of the developing
construction industry in a knowledge-based economy. In establishing the expected role of academic research,
the research revealed the current practice to be under-located. Hence, the research prescribes the necessary
actions; research collaborations in major and subsequent requirements.
Citation:
Hadiwattege, C., Senaratne, S., Sandanayake, Y., & Fernando, N. G. (2018). Academic research in emerging knowledge-based economies: The case of Sri Lankan construction industry. Built Environment Project and Asset Management, 8(4), 415–428. https://doi.org/10.1108/BEPAM-12-2017-0134