CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION  1.1   BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY 

In most developed and developing countries of the world the need for innovation in the construction industry has long been stressed from within and outside the industry. 

Changes in global markets, increased customer expectations, need for new technologies and processes, improving existing products and services, and government pressure, have all led to innovation which is becoming a key focus for the construction industry. The industry is fast evolving as the world is evolving, changing and seeking more integration, innovation and better services in all sectors of the economy. Most nations are seeking how to improve their standards of living; others are seeking to protect their environment. Most nations are seeking innovative means towards every sector of the economy, thus providing public services and products that are innovatively conceived. 

The construction industry is almost seen as the backbone of every other sector of any nations economy. That is why Seadan et al (2001), stated that the industry accounts for about 15% of the national product of most nations. This not withstanding, the industry is perceived as not being innovative for various reasons such as the nature of construction industry, its regulations and standards etc. Therefore attention ought to be given to the industry in determining its level of innovation and innovation practices, otherwise it will affect the activities of other sectors in any economy. The reasons are that if new ideas in the industry are not developed, how could better facilities of construction products be used in other sectors of an economy. 

In Nigeria, the construction industry has been characterized by poor performance and productivity. Osofisan (2007), criticizes the Nigerian construction industry for being one of the slowest to integrate technological advancement. The Nigerian construction  industry is however, a large industry and does contribute largely to the economic growth of the nation, but most elements especially of materials and technology that make up the construction process are not proudly Nigerian. If innovation and innovative practices are adopted in the industry, costs could be saved, utilization of resources could be more efficient, adjustment for the sustainability of the environment could be improved etc., These and other construction demands could be met; either by solving them with existing  knowledge or by creating new solutions. 

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