A taxonomy for the construction clients

Different conceptual approaches have been adopted to understand the characteristics of the construction client. However, up to date there seems to be a lack of clarity with regards to who the construction client is, and how it can influence product development and the delivery of value and innovation in construction. This chapter presents a literature review focused on bringing to light the different definitions and types of clients identified in the literature. It also discusses the ability of different types of clients to stimulate innovation in construction. Based on the literature review and on discussions undertaken at the CIB TG58 workshop, a taxonomy for construction clients is proposed. The definition of such taxonomy is aimed at providing a necessary theoretical platform from which discussions on the clients role in driving innovation could move forward.