THE ADOPTION OF TECHNOLOGIES: A STUDY OF THE SINGAPORE CARPENTRY TRADE

Abstract

The contribution of the carpentry trade to the construction industry in Singapore has often been neglected by researchers. Even though the construction industry has been studied extensively by researchers, few have extended their area of research into the local carpentry scene. Therefore, this study aims to study the local carpentry scene in detail.

In light of the COVID-19 crisis, the local carpentry industry is facing severe manpower shortage, hence adopting new woodworking technologies became a feasible solution to this crisis. This study provides insights into the current woodworking technologies which include manually operated machines and computer-controlled machines. The barriers and difficulties of adopting new woodworking machines are also studied.

This study aims to explore the factors that attract local carpentry firm into adopting new technologies and the barriers that deter them from doing so. Surveys and interviews are used in this study to explore the perspectives of local carpentry firms regarding woodworking technologies. A total of 20 survey respondents and 4 interviewees have participated in this study.

The results found that the most attractive factor for firms to adopt new technologies is that these technologies can reduce reliance on human labours, while space constraint in the biggest deterring factor for firms to adopt new technologies. Although there are various factors deterring local carpentry firms into adopting new woodworking technologies, these barriers can be mitigated through more governmental supports targeting the deterring factors identified in this study.