Industry 4.0 framework for construction engineering industry-academia adoptions in Malaysia / Nadia Safura Zabidin

Industry 4.0 embraces digitisation of smart products or processes by integrating various technological advancements to control the entire systems' value chain. The construction sector is also captivated by the idea of the Industry 4.0, which transforms the conventional method into a digital and cyber-physical system that creates connection across the construction project lifecycle. However, considering that the construction industry is known as a low-technology adopting sector as compared to the other industries such as manufacturing, agriculture and computer science, studies on Industry 4.0 in this industry remains scarce. The complexity of the emerging technologies of Industry 4.0 is also affecting the educational sector in complying with future job requirements. The current pedagogy does not meet the Industry 4.0 needs due to the lack of experience-based knowledge and expertise among the academics. Hence, this study aims to enhance the construction industry sector through holistic strategies of adoption or adaption of the Industry 4.0 elements in the current and future construction industry. The knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) study were performed among industry and academics on Industry 4.0 in construction engineering. The descriptive analysis showed the KAP results, and the exploratory factor data analysis further showcases readiness criteria in developing the preliminary framework. The study involved the mix-method approach within the ongoing Public Works Department (PWD) projects and nine public universities in peninsular Malaysia as the primary data collection. The significant initiatives of Industry 4.0 implementation were obtained through Focus Group Discussion method among technical experts from industry and academia respondents. The final validated framework could then be used to influence the industry-academics of Industry 4.0 adoption and adaption, further bridging the disparities between both parties. This study focuses on developing an integrative framework is to ensure both industry players and academics are able to understand and evaluate their readiness towards the implementation of the Industry 4.0 concept.