Bispevika Project: Research for Constructing a Collaborative Value Chain

Purpose Identify what kind of research we need to reach extraordinary performance in value chains in construction projects. Design/Methodology/Approach Theory and qualitative case study (document study and interviews in the Bispevika project). Findings To change the collaborative game and transform the construction industry, there is a need for research on projects with extraordinary ambitions. The research needs to bridge from strategic level down into specific details in operations. We need contributions that do not follow the general tendency to limit perspectives and focus small, isolated questions. Research must be designed in a multidisciplinary fashion that includes aspects on all levels from individuals to across organisations in the project and even the industry itself. Research also needs to define a new “business model”. If not, research can become irrelevant rather than being a relevant partner producing knowledge and insights in the transformation of the construction industry. Research Limitations/Implications For researchers, this result indicates that there is a need for more complex, interdisciplinary research to be able to cover both the strategic and fundamental levels. Practical Implications The Bispevika project shows that both strategic direction and fundamental issues need attention and practical action. Originality/Value The research raises important aspects of a research agenda for the industry. This paper argues how research can contribute with relevant insights and will help define a more ambitious research agenda where the construction industries’ challenges can become the catalyst for also transforming future research design.