A reflexive capability pathway to commercialisation of innovations using an integrated supply chain : a case study of an innovation in the Australian residential sector

![CDATA[A strong innovation culture is critical to the performance of the construction industry. However, the industry has one of the lowest innovation rates of any industry in Australia. The idea of using the supply chain concept to improve industry performance has long been discussed. However there have been limited examples where this concept has had any major impact in terms of performance improvements through the delivery of innovations – or where the improvements have been monitored. The Australian Housing Supply Chain Alliance commissioned a study to investigate the pathway for highly innovative firms seeking to commercialise novel ideas in the housing industry. Eight detailed semi-structured interviews were conducted. A document analysis of organisational records and court reports was also conducted. A narrative analysis was used to map fifty-seven stories from ten key protagonists against the innovation process framework. A critique of the barriers and enablers allowed the development of a structured methodology of ‘best practice’ for innovations requiring an integrated supply chain approach. Reflexivity theory provided a method to critique the characteristics of the innovator group in how they successfully delivered the innovation to the housing industry. The mapping of the required human capital and the strategizing to develop a cluster of actors whose collective contributions will achieve the design, construction and distribution of the innovation was an important finding. The capacity to overcome barriers relied upon the cluster’s adaptability capabilities within the context of an integrated supply chain that enabled them to transform barriers into enablers through the use of human capital. The innovator group had a detailed awareness of the human capital required, its location and ways to access the resources in response to the creation, development and adaptation of the innovation. The importance of this case study is that this was an innovation of national significance. The dissemination of this case study to the housing sector as part of its cultural heritage is important to demonstrate the challenges of innovation within a largely successful innovation implementation.]]