DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION OF THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY UNDER THE FOURTH INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION

Purpose: This study presents the result of an investigation of the fourth industrial revolution and digitalisation within the Nigeria construction industry from the construction firm's perspective.Design/methodology/approach: The study adopted a qualitative research approach through the interview, carried out among eight case companies in Abuja, Nigeria. Thematic analysis was used in analysing the data generated. The specific method of thematic analysis adopted was conversational analysis.Findings: The study revealed that fourth industrial revolution systems and processes such as: RFID, BIM, and cloud computing have 87.5% level of adoption; internet of things witness 100% level of adoption; drones with 75% level of adoption and Big data witness 62.5% level of adoption. However, augmented reality, robots and 3D printing have 37.5%; 12.5% and 0% level of adoption respectively, indicating a low level of adoption of the systems and processes that constitute fourth industrial revolution.
Originality/value: The study concluded that the adoption of the fourth industrial revolution and digitalisation in the construction industry has started but its full adoption has been slow and foreign construction firms have adopted more of the systems and processes of the fourth industrial revolution when compared to indigenous construction firms. The study recommends an increase in awareness of the fourth industrial revolution through seminars, workshop and training on the fourth industrial revolution.