Research, Development and Innovation

The built environment is the backbone of society, encompassing housing, transport infrastructure, service networks, and public spaces. These assets, often lasting over 50 years, significantly impact citizens’ quality of life and ensure equal access to services.

Despite the construction sector’s conservative reputation, significant changes are evident. The Nordic construction sector is committed to reducing emissions, with initiatives like NCC’s goal to be fossil-free by 2045. We see more energy-efficient buildings, recycled materials, electric heavy machinery, low-emission materials, and optimized design.

Digitalization is also advancing, aiming for seamless information flow to enable data-informed decisions. Data from sensors, drones, cameras, and robots are used in advanced analytics to improve processes and products. However, these advancements require a foundation of research and development.

By investing in deep knowledge, developing new skills, and leading through pilot projects and demonstrations, we prepare for the future.

Our proactive approach to innovation in construction and design sets us apart. Collaborating with universities is key to solving tomorrow’s problems today, including major issues like climate change.

These partnerships provide us with deep knowledge and specialized expertise in areas such as material and structural design, geotechnology, virtual design and construction (VDC), and advanced analytics. This collaboration enhances our in-house capabilities and drives transformative insights.

We are committed to employee development through industrial PhD programs and research projects, fostering continuous learning and innovation. Master student thesis collaborations also help us recruit talented future employees.

Strong ties with academic institutions create a supportive network that helps us solve complex problems. Our success is evident with over 35 PhD graduates and numerous adjunct lecturers and professors, transforming us into a knowledge-driven organization.

Participation in European research projects allows us to collaborate with top universities and researchers globally, enriching our projects with diverse perspectives and innovative solutions. This international collaboration adds a global dimension to our Nordic operations and attracts colleagues who value cutting-edge research.

By partnering with universities, we advance our research capabilities and create a vibrant, knowledge-rich environment that benefits our clients, employees, and the broader industry. We are a forward-thinking knowledge company dedicated to preparing for the future and addressing the challenges of our time.

At NCC, we advance the construction industry through proactive development and innovation. Our involvement in initiatives like the Swedish Smart Built Environment program and the European network ENCORD is crucial to this mission.

Participating in these initiatives helps us stay ahead of industry trends and shape the future of construction. For example, ENCORD provides a platform for deep dives into selected topics, sharing best practices, and co-creating state-of-the-art reports.

Our employees lead and participate in external development projects in sustainability, circularity, digitalization (including AI), productivity, and health and safety. These projects drive the sector forward and deepen our expertise, providing invaluable insights for addressing challenges and testing solutions.

Climate change impacts the construction sector by requiring climate adaptation, such as managing extreme weather and changing water flows. Buildings need to be designed differently, and in many cases foundation work becomes more challenging.

To reduce climate impact, the sector must work towards climate-neutral buildings and infrastructure. Implementing existing technical methods can halve the sector’s climate impact, but market maturity and skill development are challenges. Research and innovation are needed for further reductions, optimizing current methods and developing new solutions.

Collaboration between industry, politics, and academia is crucial. This work is supported by the transition to a circular economy and digitalization.

The sector faces challenges in sustainability and resource efficiency. To address these, circular principles in materials, design, and construction, as well as new business models and collaborations, are needed. Increasing the use and extending the lifespan of buildings and infrastructure through upgrades and reuse is important.

New construction should use more recycled and reused materials and components, and buildings should be designed for flexibility and minimal waste generation. Circular business models can lead to economic benefits and innovation while meeting regulatory requirements and strengthening competitiveness.

Barriers include high initial costs, regulatory challenges, technical limitations, and low market demand for recycled materials. Overcoming these requires research, development, and innovation, as well as collaboration between authorities, companies, research institutes, and communities.