Innovation rates and drivers in the road industry : the case of Queensland, Australia

This paper examines the extent of innovation in the Queensland road industry, in terms of original and adoptive innovation. The drivers of innovation are also analysed, with reference to industry subsectors. The results help clarify our understanding of road industry performance, in terms of change trajectories, international competitiveness and leverage points for improvement. Data is presented based on a 2002 survey of over 300 contractors, consultants, clients and suppliers. The report findings draw attention to the importance of ICT, business practice innovations, in-house innovation skills, and the key roles played by clients and product suppliers in driving innovation. Given that these drivers of industry performance are reflected in the literature, they should be singled out for attention in any effort to improve innovation performance in the road industry, or indeed in the construction industry generally.