The fourth industrial revolution (4thIR) and the construction industry - the role of data sharing and assemblage

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Abstract
The technological shift over the last half-century has been termed the fourth industrial revolution (4thIR). Underpinning this digital innovation is the increasing need for data sharing and assemblage in the construction industry. The study seeks to explore the nexus between data sharing and assemblage in the industry and the 4thIR. This paper adopts a desk-based study approach and review of secondary literature on the role of data in the drive for automation in the construction industry, challenges to data assemblage, and benefits of data sharing to stakeholders. The study reveals that factors that serve as debacles to data sharing/assemblage include: unstructured nature of data, silo operation, confidentiality issues and motives of personal benefits. However, a major advantage of data sharing is the benefit of increased digital and technological compliance in the industry. The study is part of ongoing empirical research. Hence, the findings are an aggregation of perspectives/submissions from extant studies. This study presents the first attempts at exploring the preparedness of the construction industry for the 4thIR from the perspective of data and information needs of the industry.

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