Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research ISIPotential of digital value creation concepts for improving the economic competitiveness of timber construction
The construction industry is undergoing change, with digital technologies fundamentally transforming value creation processes. At the same time, timber construction is facing growing economic pressure. The NewWoodApproach (NWA) project examined how digital value creation concepts can specifically contribute to securing and strengthening the economic competitiveness of timber construction in the long term. The starting point was based on the observation that modern business models are increasingly relying on the use of data, platforms, and digital ecosystems, cutting across industries and often disruptive. On this basis, two central hypotheses could be formulated:
The strategic application of digital value creation mechanisms and patterns, such as platform solutions, data rooms, or ecosystems, can make more efficient use of material, time, and human resources in timber construction, thereby increasing competitiveness even under today's economic conditions.
Digital concepts open up new forms of bilateral cooperation in the planning and construction process—cooperative, data-based, and across company boundaries.
Objective
NWA was designed as an exploratory project with the aim of identifying digital value creation concepts that can strengthen the economic potential of timber construction under the conditions of an increasingly data-driven construction industry. The focus lied on analyzing relevant digital business models and technologies, as well as the factors that promote or hinder their dissemination in timber construction. In particular, there was a need to examine how successful approaches can be transferred to the specific conditions of traditional timber construction. The project results were intended to create a robust knowledge base in order to sustainably increase the economic competitiveness of timber construction in comparison to conventional, mineral-based construction methods.
Methodology
The project was being implemented in close cooperation with companies in the construction and timber construction industries. The focus was on developing customized digital value creation concepts, which will be elaborated in up to three case studies selected and specified in collaboration with the participating partners. A particular focus was placed on identifying and analyzing company-specific obstacles that stand in the way of introducing digital technologies. In addition, the project aimed to raise awareness among stakeholders of the potential of digital developments and to provide impetus for the joint development of further research projects.
Project duration
15.04.2024 – 14.10.2025
