Residential Market Research for Innovation

November 2006 36 pages

FULL TEXT: (*pdf, 2.22 MB)

NOTE: Adobe Reader is required to download, view, and/or print PDF files. If your computer does not have this software, you must first download Adobe Reader and follow the installation instructions before accessing PDF files from PATHnet.

What's holding us back?

On February 15, 2006, more than 50 representatives from private industry, government and academia attended the Symposium on Market Data for Housing Innovation. The purpose of the symposium was to vigorously examine the market data gaps related to housing innovation.

Key Findings

Market research in five critical areas would greatly facilitate the adoption
of housing technology and innovation.

• Value and valuation of housing technology and innovation
• Performance measures
• Role and interests of other players and intermediaries
• Information and knowledge transfer
• Market data collection methods

Key Recommendations

Symposium participants identified seven market research strategies that could be employed to gain understanding in these critical areas.

• Conduct research studies to acquire industry performance and market segment data
• Create product and process performance measures
• Research the effects of new technologies on asset performance
• Conduct market research studies to understand how intermediaries drive innovation
• Conduct market research on consumers' characteristics, decision making process, and motives for adopting new technologies
• Conduct studies on the acquisition and knowledge transfer of innovation information
• Develop business process best practices for manufacturers

Incentives for manufacturers, builders and homeowners are also needed to help them bear the risk and cost of investing in this type of research.

Content updated on 1/30/2007