The empirical relationship between contractor success and project innovation

Purpose Innovation during project delivery is contested space. The aim in this research to empirically explore the theory of space and how implementation can be optimized by contractor deliver better outcomes. It hypothesized that innovation has a proportional measurable relationship success. Design/methodology/approach Based on novel conceptual framework, applies case study methodology analyse 31 construction projects undertaken single Australian middle-tier contractor. Benefits from are not often equitably shared. There risks rewards. zone defined as combination three key performance indicators – efficacy, efficiency margin merged into index most likely shows evidence “working smarter”. Findings Client–contractor (c2pi) demonstrated strongly correlated with head success (HCS), yielding an r 2 value 71%. Innovative mostly show positive change when comparing “planned” “actual” Across cases studied, 35% innovative 52% contractor's perspective. Originality/value These findings verify that, within studied sample, pursuit leads also have greater for contractor, evidenced mix five critical factors: finishing schedule, making profit, having less defects, accidents higher quality workmanship. outcomes arguably apply sub-contractors, where assumes role “client”.