Drivers and Barriers to Adopting Smart Construction Technologies by Small and Medium Enterprises

Authors

  • Rynn Shi Ying Ho Department of the Built Environment, College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Architecture Drive, Singapore 117566
  • Luke Peh School of Science and Technology, Singapore University of Social Sciences, 463 Clementi Road, Singapore 599494
  • Sui Pheng Low Department of the Built Environment, College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Architecture Drive, Singapore 117566

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24191/bej.v23i2.6900

Keywords:

smart construction technologies, small and medium enterprises, drivers, barriers

Abstract

The construction industry is undergoing rapid digital and technological transformation, but Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) often face distinct operational and financial constraints that limit their uptake of Smart Construction Technologies (SCT). Despite government initiatives and growing industry momentum, many SMEs remain hesitant or only partially engaged with SCT. This study aims to identify the key drivers and barriers to SCT adoption among Singaporean SMEs and to propose strategies to overcome these barriers. This study employed a mixed-methods approach - quantitative data were collected via an online survey of construction professionals (53 valid responses: 34 from SMEs and 19 from larger firms) and qualitative data were obtained through semi-structured interviews with three (3) experienced industry practitioners. The survey data collected was analysed using Jeffreys’s Amazing Statistics Program (JASP) for chi-square tests, Shapiro-Wilk normality tests and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Interview transcripts were coded thematically to identify the most salient drivers and barriers. The findings reveal that 94% of responding SMEs have initiated SCT adoption, yet full integration into operations is limited. This study identified 15 significant drivers and 13 barriers. Major drivers include financial incentives, regulatory mandates and demonstrable performance gains. On the other hand, key barriers are high costs, resource and skill shortages and practical implementation challenges. Qualitative data confirmed these trends and highlighted SMEs’ conservative culture and survival-oriented mindset as additional factors. These results indicate that while SMEs recognise the potential of SCT, adoption remains partial due to cost, capability and cultural constraints. Addressing these issues through targeted financial support, accessible training and fostering collaborative digital ecosystems can accelerate adoption. By focusing explicitly on SMEs, this study fills a research gap and provides empirical evidence of SME-specific factors in SCT adoption. The actionable insights will help policymakers, industry leaders and technology providers tailor interventions to support SME digital transformation.

Author Biographies

  • Rynn Shi Ying Ho, Department of the Built Environment, College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Architecture Drive, Singapore 117566

    Rynn Ho Shi Ying graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Project and Facilities Management in 2025 and is an alumni of the Department of Built Environment, National University of Singapore, 4 Architecture Drive, Singapore 119566. Her final-year project examined Smart Construction Technologies. She works in Township Planning and Management. She can be reached at e0775633@u.nus.edu.sg

  • Luke Peh, School of Science and Technology, Singapore University of Social Sciences, 463 Clementi Road, Singapore 599494

    Luke Peh Lu Chang, PhD is Associate Professor at the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS), 463 Clementi Rd, Singapore 599494. His research focuses on smart and sustainable built environments. He has published in areas including BIM, IDD and digital transformation of built environment companies. He can be reached at lukepehlc@suss.edu.sg

  • Sui Pheng Low, Department of the Built Environment, College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Architecture Drive, Singapore 117566

    Low Sui Pheng, PhD is Professor in the Department of the Built Environment at the National University of Singapore, 4 Architecture Drive, Singapore 119566. His research interests include construction management, productivity, procurement systems, and project performance. He has authored numerous journal papers and books in construction management and has supervised many graduate students. He also serves on editorial boards and advisory panels in the built environment sector. He can be reached at bdglowsp@nus.edu.sg. 

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Published

03-07-2026

Issue

Vol. 23 No. 2 (2026): Built Environment Journal

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Copyright (c) 2026 Rynn Shi Ying Ho, Luke Peh, Sui Pheng Low

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

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How to Cite

Drivers and Barriers to Adopting Smart Construction Technologies by Small and Medium Enterprises. (2026). Built Environment Journal, 23(2). https://doi.org/10.24191/bej.v23i2.6900

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