Impact of Gender on the Adoption of Various Types of Smart Technologies Within the Nigerian Construction Industry

Abstract

The integration of smart technologies across sectors has been transformative, yet gender disparities persist in their adoption (Adebayo & Oke, 2022). This study explores the influence of gender on the adoption of smart technologies within the Nigerian Construction Industry (NCI), focusing on Building Information Modeling (BIM), drones, Internet of Things (IoT), and Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven tools. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining surveys with 230 construction professionals and interviews with key stakeholders. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis to identify gender-related patterns. Findings indicate that male professionals dominate early adoption due to wider access and exposure, whereas female professionals increasingly adopt these technologies when supported by inclusive training and organizational policies. Key barriers identified include workplace culture (70.4%), lack of human resource support (67.3%), and limited mentorship (58.6%). The study concludes with strategic recommendations for policy reforms and capacity-building initiatives to bridge the gender gap, thereby promoting inclusive innovation and sustainable digital transformation in the Nigerian construction sector.