A New Systematic Approach to Vulnerability Assessment of Innovation Capability of Construction Enterprises

Jingxiao Zhang, Haiyan Xie, Klaus Schmidt and Hui Li
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Jingxiao Zhang: Institution of Construction Economics, Chang’an University; NO.161, Chang’an Road, Xi’an 710061, China
Haiyan Xie: Department of Technology, Illinois State University; Normal, IL 61790, USA
Klaus Schmidt: Department of Technology, Illinois State University; Normal, IL 61790, USA
Hui Li: Institution of Construction Economics, Chang’an University; NO.161, Chang’an Road, Xi’an 710061, China

Sustainability, 2015, vol. 8, issue 1, 1-25

Abstract: The purpose of this research is to study the vulnerability of construction enterprises’ innovation capabilities (CEIC) and their respective primary influencing factors. This paper proposed a vulnerability system framework of CEIC, designed two comprehensive assessments for analysis, namely the entropy and set pair analysis method (E-SPA) and the principle cluster analysis and SPA method (P-SPA), and compared grades to verify the vulnerability assessments. Further, the paper quantitatively assessed the major influencing factors in facilitating management, reducing vulnerability, and improving the ability of construction enterprises to respond to changes in the construction industry. The results showed that vulnerability could be effectively and systematically evaluated using E-SPA. However, managing or reducing entrepreneurial sensitivity and improving the ability to respond was critical to supporting sustainable CEIC. The case studies included in this paper suggested that in ensuring sustainable CEIC, companies should concentrate on highly educated human resources, R&D investments, intellectual property related innovations, and government support. This research provided a practical framework and established a sustainable strategy for companies to manage their vulnerability in developing innovation capability. In addition, this research presented an innovative and effective way to quantitatively analyze vulnerability which offered a foundation to signify a new paradigm shift in construction sustainable development.

Keywords: construction enterprise; innovation capability; vulnerability assessment; innovation uncertainty; sustainable development (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2015
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