article · Smart and Sustainable Built Environment
This research investigates the obstacles preventing the integration of digital technologies into circular economy initiatives within the Nigerian construction sector. Drawing on existing literature, thirty-two potential barriers were identified and subsequently evaluated through a quantitative survey completed by industry experts. While sector professionals display a high level of awareness regarding the role of digital tools in circular processes, actual adoption remains low. Statistical analysis identified the top ten challenges, grouped into five primary themes: finance and market demand limitations, data management and vulnerability concerns, infrastructure deficits alongside skills shortages, inadequate support from government and corporate leadership, and issues surrounding interoperability and behavioural resistance. Addressing these specific constraints offers a path toward improving operational performance and environmental sustainability across the built environment.
The transition to a sustainable, low-waste construction industry relies increasingly on modern digital tools. Identifying the practical and structural roadblocks in developing markets helps decision-makers, industry leaders, and policy formulators remove hurdles that limit green innovation, operational efficiency, and long-term environmental protection.
The research serves decision-makers, software providers, and construction leadership seeking to target digital interventions effectively. Because the findings outline market obstacles rather than a functional product, the work represents early-stage exploratory research. It can guide future technology transfer programmes and industry strategies by showing where investments in training, financial models, and secure data systems are urgently needed.
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Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate barriers to the adoption of digital technologies (DTs) in the circular economy (CE) transition in the construction industry. The aim is to quantitatively investigate what the barriers to DTs-driven CE are in the Nigerian construction industry. Design/methodology/approach A review of existing literature identified 32 barriers to DTs-led CE. A well-structured quantitative research questionnaire was developed and administered to construction experts using a convenient sampling technique via hand delivery and Google form. The gathered data were analysed using arrays of both descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Findings The study revealed that the awareness of the digitalisation of CE is high, but the adoption is low. Five themes of the leading 10 factors responsible for the low adoption of DTs in CE transition in the Nigerian construction industry are (1) finance and demand barrier, (2) data management and information vulnerability, (3) skills shortage and infrastructure challenge, (4) poor government and management support and (5) interoperability and resistance problems. Practical implications This study could be helpful to decision-makers and policy formulators, which would provide an avenue for higher adoption of DTs in CE transition in the construction industry, better performance and environmental protection. It also provides a foundation for further research efforts in Nigeria and other developing countries of Africa and beyond. Originality/value Studies on the barriers to DT adoption in CE transition are still growing, and this is even non-existent in the Nigerian construction context. This offers a unique insight and original findings by pioneering the identification and assessment of barriers to the digitalisation of CE transition in Nigeria’s construction industry.
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DOI: 10.1108/sasbe-11-2023-0357
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