Exploring the determinants of Construction 4.0 implementation in Australian Construction Industry: A SWOT Analysis

Senuri Siriwardhana¹, Robert Moehler², Yihai Fang¹

1. Monash University
2. Melbourne University

Published in the Journal of Information Technology in Construction, volume 30, pages 1553 to 1572, September 2025, in the special issue Smart and Sustainable Built Environment (SASBE 2024), guest edited by Mahesh Babu Purushothaman, Ali GhaffarianHoseini, Amirhosein GhaffarianHoseini and Farzad Rahimian. DOI 10.36680/j.itcon.2025.063.

Abstract

Despite its global relevance, the Australian construction industry has been slow to adopt the digital technologies underpinning Construction 4.0. In response to growing productivity concerns, national initiatives have been launched to accelerate digital transformation. This paper supports these efforts by developing a SWOTframework to examine the determinants influencing Construction 4.0 implementation. Adopting a qualitative approach, the study draws on 23 semi-structured interviews with architects, engineers, project managers, and quantity surveyors, each selected for their professional experience and direct involvement in digital construction practices. Data were thematically analyzed using a two-cycle coding process in NVivo to map findings to a SWOT framework, ensuring rigour and transparency. The findings reveal that strengths such as enhanced productivity, collaboration, and design coordination are counterbalanced by weaknesses including fragmented governance, cost barriers, and workforce skill shortages. Opportunities include workforce diversification, standardization, and global shifts toward sustainability, while threats encompass cybersecurity, ethical concerns, and loss of experienced personnel. This comprehensive analysis highlights the internal and external dynamics shaping Construction 4.0 adoption. The results offer practical insights for policymakers and industry leaders to support strategic planning, workforce development, and a more coordinated digital ecosystem in the Australian construction sector.

Keywords

Related Conference Paper

Exploring the Determinants of Construction 4.0 Implementation in Australian Construction Industry: A SWOT Analysis, SASBE 2024 proceedings, chapter 80.