Research planning methodology for technology fusion in construction

Interdisciplinary (multidisciplinary) research has recently become the main strategy by which the current construction technology can be raised to the level of next generation. Combination of knowledge from different departments has the potential to generate new kinds of technology, which can make a breakthrough in the regular course of technology development. However, it has not yet been clear as to how an interdisciplinary research program can be effectively planned and conducted. Without an effective research planning methodology, ambitious programs with interdisciplinary features may end up in failure. To address the issue, this paper presents various research planning methodologies for "technology fusion"-based research in construction. The expression, "technology fusion," is here used to refer to the truly interdisciplinary approach of technology development. Research planning methodologies, including technology foresight and planning, are reviewed, and the criteria for selecting the methodology appropriate for a particular project are described. Finally, a case study is presented to show how the identified research planning methodology is applied in identifying an important research area in construction.