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 the 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 Innovation in construction: vacuum insulated glazing (VIG). Buy the report here.
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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, waterproof floor drains, adjustable width road pavers and construction 3D printing are disruptive technologies that are in the early stages of application and should be tracked closely. Floating breakwaters, self-healing concrete and building panel interlocking are some of the accelerating innovation areas, where adoption has been steadily increasing. Among maturing innovation areas are pneumatic door closers and embossed floor panels, which are now well established in the industry.
Innovation S-curve for the construction industry
Vacuum insulated glazing (VIG) is a key innovation area in construction
Vacuum insulated glazing (VIG) is an innovative type of insulated glass panel that incorporates two glass panes separated by a vacuum-filled space to achieve outstanding thermal insulation. In contrast to conventional double-glazed windows using air or inert gas, VIG's vacuum technology eliminates heat transfer through the panel, providing up to five times superior insulation. This advanced design enhances thermal performance, resulting in significant energy savings and increased indoor comfort. With its sleek profile, VIG is well-suited for various architectural applications. Additionally, VIG prevents moisture buildup, reduces condensation risks, and offers improved soundproofing compared to traditional double-glazed windows.
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 120+ companies, spanning technology vendors, established construction companies, and up-and-coming start-ups engaged in the development and application of vacuum insulated glazing (VIG).
Key players in vacuum insulated glazing (VIG) – 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 vacuum insulated glazing (VIG)
Source: GlobalData Patent Analytics
Among the companies that have filed patents for vacuum insulated glazing, Panasonic is the leading patent filer, followed by KGIC Merger and AGC.
AGC, a global glass solutions leader, is at the forefront of advancing vacuum insulating glazing, with substantial investments to boost its production capacity, particularly for Fineo VIG units. This expansion allows AGC to meet rising demand and offer VIG solutions for retrofitting existing windows, enhancing energy efficiency without major renovations. The company is committed to propelling VIG into mainstream adoption for energy-efficient buildings, emphasizing innovation, versatility, and sustainability. As VIG gains recognition, AGC is well-positioned to play a leading role in shaping the future of this transformative technology. Established in 1907, AGC's rich history and global presence solidify its status as a key player in the glass industry, dedicated to innovation and customer satisfaction.
In terms of application diversity, BASF leads the pack, while Huntsman and SAES Getters stood in the second and third positions, respectively.
By means of geographic reach, BASF held the top position, followed by Glas Troesch and Corning.
Huntsman is a leading manufacturer of specialized organic chemical products, offering a diverse range that includes amines, maleic anhydride, MDI, epoxy-based polymers, and more. Catering to various industries such as adhesives, aerospace, automotive, and medical, Huntsman operates globally with a network of units in North America, the Middle East, Europe, and Asia, headquartered in Woodlands, Texas, the US.
In the realm of vacuum insulating glazing, Huntsman is a pioneer, propelling innovation, sustainability, and broader applications for this transformative technology. The company's expertise in polyurethane chemistry, manufacturing optimization, and application research is instrumental in shaping the future of VIG for energy-efficient, sustainable, and resilient buildings. As VIG technology advances, Huntsman's role is anticipated to become even more significant, contributing to a greener built environment. Additionally, Huntsman has made strides in vacuum insulating glazing development, introducing functionalized polyacrylate polymer compositions for treating clay in cementitious and aggregate compositions, along with a urethane resin composition designed for building insulation without the need for a foam stabilizer, exhibiting quasi-incombustibility.
To further understand the key themes and technologies disrupting the construction industry, access GlobalData’s latest thematic research report on Construction.
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GlobalData, the leading provider of industry intelligence, provided the underlying data, research, and analysis used to produce this article.
GlobalData’s Patent Analytics tracks patent filings and grants from official offices around the world. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
