Innovation

Construction has been slow to innovate and adopt new technologies, methods and practices. To create a high-wage, highly-productive and low-emissions construction sector, we need to accelerate innovation.

Construction hasn't changed very much in decades, if not centuries, and it's an industry that is notoriously resistant to change – particularly in adopting new technologies. We must break that cycle by creating an innovation ecosystem, where new tools, products, practices and technologies are constantly developed, tried and tested. Adopting these new developments needs to also be affordable and low-risk for businesses. The regulatory system must adapt to act as an enabler for innovation.

Priority 7. Advanced construction ecosystem

While there are pockets of innovation across the industry, it's still challenging for new ideas to break through and for businesses to adopt new technology or modern methods of construction, such as offsite manufacturing, advanced materials and automation. The lack of innovation has contributed to slow productivity and growth in the sector.

Initiatives

Initiative	Potential partners	Mid-term goals	Delivery dates
7.1 Construction Digital Boost 2.0 Digitalisation is a proven method for improving productivity, but it’s difficult for businesses to find the time and resources to learn how to digitise their processes. This programme will support SMEs in growing their digital capabilities, such as managing finances, placing orders, and submitting and receiving invoices using digital tools.	MBIE Small Business team	Increased productivity through innovation, technology, and an enabling regulatory environment Increased capabilities of leaders to drive change More thriving people and organisations	2022 – 2023
7.2 A collaborative innovation ecosystem Academia, research organisations, government and industry are all involved in funding, commissioning or creating innovative approaches, but we need to work more collaboratively. In line with the mission-led innovation approach set out for the Climate Innovation Platforms, the Accord will work with Callaghan Innovation, fellow ITPs, academia and the research sector to develop and execute strategies for specific productivity, sustainability and technological challenges that require innovative solutions.	Callaghan Innovation, Advanced Manufacturing ITP, Forestry and Wood Processing ITP, Digital Technologies ITP, Academia, Accord Agencies	Increased productivity through innovation, technology, and an enabling regulatory environment	2022 – 2025
7.3 Supporting innovation focussed regulatory reform The government's regulatory system needs to allow room for innovation for the future of the sector. We will support MBIE's review of the building consent and regulatory system and relevant regulatory system reviews to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the building regulatory system, including by creating more opportunities for innovation, which will in turn increase the industry's productivity. More information on MBIE's review of the building consent and regulatory system(external link) - building.govt.nz	MBIE Building Systems Performance team, Forestry and Wood Processing ITP, Accord Agencies	Increased productivity through innovation, technology, and an enabling regulatory environment	2022 – 2025
7.4 Innovation investment strategy Innovation funding is risky for investors and what is available tends to be spread across multiple funds, which makes it hard for start-ups and other innovators to access. We will develop a strategy to coordinate innovation investment and ensure that it's directed at solving the industry’s biggest challenges.	Callaghan Innovation, Advanced Manufacturing ITP, Forestry and Wood Processing ITP, Digital Technologies ITP, Academia, Accord Agencies	Increased productivity through innovation, technology, and an enabling regulatory environment More thriving people and organisations	2023 – beyond
7.5 Innovation Accelerator and Piloting The Accord can bring together industry, academia and government to work on innovation projects that could be transformational for the sector. We will create a platform for cross-sector collaboration to find solutions to our biggest challenges, including via digitisation and business improvements.	Callaghan Innovation, Massey University, Waikato University, Canterbury University, Auckland University of Technology, Advanced Manufacturing ITP, Forestry and Wood Processing ITP, Digital Technologies ITP, Accord Agencies	Increased productivity through innovation, technology, and an enabling regulatory environment Reduced waste and embodied and operational carbon	2023 – beyond
7.6 Advanced Construction New Zealand Study Tours Sometimes the best way to understand innovation is to see it in person. We will organise tours for sector leaders to visit progressive businesses and worksites across New Zealand to inspire others to use innovative products, processes and methods.	Infrastructure New Zealand, Callaghan Innovation, Kāinga Ora	Increased productivity through innovation, technology and an enabling regulatory environment Increased capabilities of leaders to drive change	2024 – beyond