Role of construction industry support institutions in technological capability development of Sri Lankan construction contractors : a study

Abstract

This research was conducted to ascertain the effectiveness of the institutional infrastructure facilities in the technological capability development of the domestic construction contractors. The elements of technological capability are identified under four main categories, namely, project initiative, operative, technology acquisitive and innovative capabilities. The interventions required from the support service institutions to enhance , technological capability are defined. A survey of the support service institutions were conducted to ascertain the interventions provided by them. A random sample of construction contractors were surveyed to verify these interventions. These two surveys were used to analyse the role of support service institutions in the technological capability development of the construction contractors in Sri Lanka. The main conclusions are that while the support institutions provide most of the interventions necessary to enhance the technological capabilities , they are not used by the contractors to the fullest extent, nor are they well presented or adequately coordinated for the constructors to obtain their maximum benefit.