Exploring the Innovation Path of the Digital Construction Industry Using Mixed Methods

Abstract

To provide a theoretical basis for deepening digital reform in the construction industry and explore the innovation path of the digital construction industry, this research uses patent data for Guangdong Province to carry out explanatory sequence research. First, this research analyzes the dynamic evolution process of networks in the digital construction industry by using social network analysis. Then, grounded theory is used to conduct qualitative research to explore the innovation path of the digital construction industry. The results show that the scale of the innovation network of the digital construction industry is continually expanding and the digital carriers are becoming increasingly diverse. Influenced by the diversification of digital carriers, the research theme of the digital construction industry is beginning to develop in the direction of intelligence. The findings indicate that the use of mixed methods improves the robustness of the results and that the quantitative research results are explained by the qualitative research results. This research not only contributes to information development in the construction industry but also provides a theoretical basis for deepening digital reform in the construction industry.

Keywords

• digital construction industry
• digital economy
• innovation
• mixed methods research