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Barriers Analysis
To develop effective solutions for the housing industry, PATH must understand barriers to housing technology research and adoption. Barriers can be found in the building process; in the economic, social, or political aspects of a housing technology; or in general housing characteristics.
A primary PATH function is to review issues attached to each barrier and to develop potential alternatives or improvements, in coordination with existing industrial and governmental frameworks. Reviews must consider the tremendous historical legacy and institutionalization of the barriers, as well as the viability of specific institutions (that is, private industry, PATH, and the Federal Government) to institute change. PATH has developed a series of activities to address the following topics:
Financial incentives for houses that incorporate innovations
Private investment in housing innovation
Codes that recommend use of housing innovation
Insurance policies that reward use of housing innovation
Appraisal/market value accounting for housing innovation
Public attention and education
Breaking tradition
Availability of centralized information
Geographic diversity
PATH started a Technology Barriers Analysis Project in September 2001. The project is an exploration of specific industrial, institutional, financial, and/or cultural barriers to the advancement of housing technology. The study is based on existing literature from academia, government, and industry. From this review, a finite number of key concerns will be identified for further exploration and recommendation of policy alternatives. The analysis will discuss each barrier in historical and contemporary contexts, and provide alternatives for overcoming the barrier. Please check back for new updates and reports in the coming year.
Contact Information
PATH
David Engel
451 7th Street, SW
Room 8134
Washington, DC 20410-0001
(202) 708-4370
Content updated on 8/13/2003