ITA framework

New technology, materials and tools are powerful tools for innovation. They have the potential to transform how companies design and build buildings, and improve productivity and reduce cost. Best practices include:

1. Advanced building and finishing materials
2. New construction technologies
3. Standardised, modularised and prefabricated components
4. Smart & life-cycle optimising, and data capture equipment
5. (Semi-) automated construction equipment
6. Digital technologies and big data

The building and construction process is complex and typically hampered by late design changes and a lack of information sharing and collaboration by all parties involved in the project. By streamlining and strengthening processes and operations, we can build better buildings faster and more cost effectively. Best practices include:

1. Concerted time in design and (front-loaded) project planning
2. Collaboration with subcontractors and suppliers
3. Active/continuous risk management; collaboration with project owners
4. Lean and safe construction management and operations
5. Project management: learning from project to project
6. Project monitoring (scope, time, cost)

These best practices focus on how companies can be more agile, collaborative and better positioned to support growth while still competing effectively:

1. Differentiated business models, consolidation and/or partnerships
2. Sustainable products with optimal life-cycle value
3. Internationalisation strategies to increase scale

Changing demographics, skill shortages and new technologies demand a radical rethink of employment practices. Best practices include:

1. Workforce planning, smart hiring and enhanced retention
2. Continuous training and people development, knowledge management and sharing
3. High-performance culture; innovation-friendly and forward-looking

Working together to agree on standards, shared information and benchmarking will be crucial. Best practices include:

1. Mutual consent on standards across the industry
2. Benchmarking and data exchange
3. Best-practice sharing

Joint industry marketing can benefit all of us. Best practices include: 

1. Industry-wide collaboration on employer marketing
2. Coordinated communication with society and communities
3. Effective interaction with the public sector

Smart policy and regulatory settings can help transform the operating environment. Best practices include:

1. Adherence to harmonised building codes/standards; efficient permit processes
2. Market openness to international firms and small and medium- sized enterprises (SMEs)
3. Promotion and funding of R&D, technology adoption and education

Governments are a major client of the industry and need to actively coordinate public sector demand. Best practices include:

1. Maintain high transparency standards
2. Actively manage project pipeline and funding
3. Set realistic bidding requirements, and drive efficient and effective bidding processes