FRESCO- A research and development framework for integrated project delivery

Integration, innovation, and collaboration within construction projects have been the subject of a growing body of research as a direct response to the notorious fragmentation and inherent performance issues of the construction industry. New delivery methods, such as integrated project delivery (IPD), have emerged among potential solutions to overcome these issues. The number of studies published on IPD has increased rapidly in recent years, covering many components of this collaborative approach. However, IPD is relatively novel and thereby emerging, with potential for advancement. This study aims to map topics covered in recent research on IPD and connect them to various practical elements of this approach in order to identify areas of practice that require further development. To achieve this goal, a research and development framework for IPD named “FRESCO” was developed that builds upon past research efforts and helps to analyze, research, and implement this innovative project delivery approach. Based on a systematic literature review of IPD research from 2017 to 2021, thematic analysis was performed on a total of 141 journal articles and conference papers to identify and define a practice-motivated theme-based framework. The framework was validated using data from three IPD case studies. The research findings identified a framework with six primary themes and 19 sub-topics that relate to well-explored and under-researched practice areas.