The construction industry continues to be a hotbed of patent innovation. Activity is driven by an increased focus on environmental sustainability and workplace safety, and growing importance of technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and robotics. In the last three years alone, there have been over 27,000 patents filed and granted in the construction industry, according to GlobalData’s report on environmental sustainability in construction: wall surface temperature controls. Buy the report here.
However, not all innovations are equal and nor do they follow a constant upward trend. Instead, their evolution takes the form of an S-shaped curve that reflects their typical lifecycle from early emergence to accelerating adoption, before finally stabilizing and reaching maturity.
Identifying where a particular innovation is on this journey, especially those that are in the emerging and accelerating stages, is essential for understanding their current level of adoption and the likely future trajectory and impact they will have.
80+ innovations will shape the construction industry
According to GlobalData’s Technology Foresights, which plots the S-curve for the construction industry using innovation intensity models built on over 240,000 patents, there are 80+ innovation areas that will shape the future of the industry.
Within the emerging innovation stage, atmospheric water harvesting and recycled concrete fillers are disruptive technologies that are in the early stages of application and should be tracked closely. Smart glazing, eco-friendly HVACs, and recycled waste-based cements are some of the accelerating innovation areas, where adoption has been steadily increasing. Among maturing innovation areas is wall surface temperature controls, which is now well established in the industry.
Innovation S-curve for environmental sustainability in the construction industry
Wall surface temperature controls is a key innovation area in environmental sustainability
Wall surface temperature controls are used to regulate and maintain wall surface temperatures. The various devices and controls ensure that the wall surfaces remain at the desired temperature, providing comfort and energy efficiency.
GlobalData’s analysis also uncovers the companies at the forefront of each innovation area and assesses the potential reach and impact of their patenting activity across different applications and geographies. According to GlobalData, there are 60+ companies, spanning technology vendors, established construction companies, and up-and-coming start-ups engaged in the development and application of wall surface temperature controls.
Key players in wall surface temperature controls – a disruptive innovation in the construction industry
‘Application diversity’ measures the number of applications identified for each patent. It broadly splits companies into either ‘niche’ or ‘diversified’ innovators.
‘Geographic reach’ refers to the number of countries each patent is registered in. It reflects the breadth of geographic application intended, ranging from ‘global’ to ‘local’.
Patent volumes related to wall surface temperature controls
Source: GlobalData Patent Analytics
Progress Profiles is a leading patent filer in the area of wall surface temperature controls. The company produces a range of innovative systems that meet functional and aesthetic requirements in the residential or commercial buildings space. Among its products is the patented PRODESO® Heat Grip System. According to Progress Profiles, it is the first company to use constant power heating cables combined with membranes, and its thermostat interfaces with devices for programming all adjustments and settings. Other key players in this area include Genuit Group, Viega, and Kingspan Group.
In terms of application diversity, Viega leads the pack, while Mitsubishi Electric and Royal BAM Group stood in the second and third positions, respectively.
By means of geographic reach, Progress Profiles held the top position, followed by Mitsubishi Electric and Kingspan Group.
To further understand the key themes and technologies disrupting the construction industry, access GlobalData’s latest thematic research report on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) in Construction.
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