Understanding the creation of ICT-value in the building and construction industry

ICT (Information and communication technology) creation of business value has become-for few reasons-A topic in need of closer scrutiny. Numerous governmental initiatives originate from a belief that digitization would improve the performance of the building and construction industry. But, there are evidences that expectations of positive effects of use of new ICT, for example BIM, may be too optimistic. In Information Systems research (IS), ICT creation of business value presents one of the main concerns. Accordingly, by drawing on the literature on ICT value creation and characteristics of the building and construction industry, the aim of the paper is to outline a conceptual understanding of ICT value creation in the building and construction industry. The analysis will take the point of departure in three perspectives on ICT-value creation: The resource-based, the process and capability building, and the multiple-firms perspectives. When ICT-value creation is analysed, a paradox is uncovered. In the industry, customer value is co-created due to the need for a wide array of competencies and resources. But, at the same time there are very weak incentives for firms to co-create ICT-value due to existing governance systems and institutionalized role systems. Research is needed in order to uncover facilitators for building more long term relations among firms that in turn creates conditions for processes of building capabilities for creation of ICT-value.