Knowledge gap survey responses
Introduction
The construction knowledge gap is the difference between the easy-to-access, practical knowledge that practitioners want, and the sometimes difficult-to-use, difficult-to-find, 'academic' knowledge that the industry creates. You can find out more about the construction knowledge gap here.
On 9 May 2018, twenty industry representatives met at the offices of BuroHappold in London to discuss the problems posed by the construction knowledge gap and to consider whether there was support for tackling these problems collaboratively. You can read more about the event here.
Between 15 and 21 May, a short survey was posted online to gather feedback about the topics discussed and to help determine the way forward.
Survey responses
47 people took part in the survey; 14 attendees from the 9 May event, 6 people who had been invited but were unable to attend and 27 people who had not been invited but had subsequently expressed an interest in the subject.
93% of the respondents believed that tackling the construction knowledge gap is very important or extremely important for the industry.
74% believed that tackling the construction knowledge gap is very important or extremely important for their own organisation.
The relative support for a range of possible solutions to the construction knowledge gap (discussed at the 9 May meeting) was:
Idea | Weighted score |
Identify important subject areas and collaboratively develop new, accessible, practical knowledge. | 59 |
Undertake a trial, re-purposing some existing knowledge to make it more accessible and practical. | 56 |
Develop standard industry templates and guidelines for the preparation or commissioning of knowledge. | 44 |
Carry out more research to better understand the problem. | 43 |
Create a custom search engine that searches only pre-vetted industry websites. | 36 |
These results seemed to be at odds with the discussions that took place during the 9 May event and with the comments posted by respondents to the survey, all of which strongly support the creation of a custom search engine for the industry.
For this reason, the analysis was repeated, but this time only including responses from the attendees at the 9 May meeting. This produced a very different picture, with equal support for the top three ideas.
Idea | Weighted score |
Create a custom search engine that searches only pre-vetted industry websites. | 14 |
Undertake a trial, re-purposing some existing knowledge to make it more accessible and practical. | 14 |
Identify important subject areas and collaboratively develop new, accessible, practical knowledge. | 14 |
Carry out more research to better understand the problem. | 11 |
Develop standard industry templates and guidelines for the preparation or commissioning of knowledge. | 7 |
Other ideas that were proposed included:
- Offering practitioners more flexible access to study subjects from across the industry as and when required.
- Developing a common knowledge taxonomy similar to CI/SfB.
- Sharing industry resources and platforms to avoid duplication.
- Creating industry journals that provide useful, practical guidance rather than industry commentary and pictures of buildings.
- Developing an i3P model for the wider construction industry.
- Creating practical video tutorials and trade-specific training and apprenticeships schemes.
- Developing procurement methods that support knowledge sharing.
19 of the respondents to the survey would like to be part of a task group to tackle the construction knowledge gap.
4 respondents would be prepared to commit resources to tackle the construction knowledge gap.
Closing comments from respondents were generally supportive of the initiative, with repeated calls for greater collaboration across the industry.
A number of respondents asked for more information about the role of the proposed task group and the time commitment this would require, so they could discuss involvement with their respective organisations.
Next steps
We will now prepare a draft proposal for the industry task group, setting out its role, how often it will meet and how its activities will be structured. This will be circulated for comment, and then the first meeting of the task group arranged.
In the meantime, if you have any questions or ideas, please email [email protected].
Featured articles and news
Design and construction industry podcasts
Professional development, practice, the pandemic, platforms and podcasts. Have we missed anything?
C20 Society; Buildings at Risk List 2025
10 more buildings published with updates on the past decade of buildings featured.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation, closing 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
From project managers to rising stars, sustainability pioneers and more.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.