Chapter 8: Why We've Struggled to Embed So Far

Chapter 8 examines the challenges in implementing smart building technology within the construction industry. It identifies key issues such as misleading marketing practices that erode trust, the protection of market interests by established players, a skills gap in construction for handling smart technologies, and the industry's tendency towards blame and risk aversion. The chapter also discusses the failed Sidewalk Labs project in Toronto as a case study, highlighting political, economic, and strategic factors that hinder progress in smart city developments. Finally, it suggests that evolving regulatory landscapes and market demands could improve conditions for technological innovation in the built environment.