The construction sector is more innovative than has been generally thought, according to a report from the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts (Nesta).

Construction is one of six sectors reviewed in its Hidden Innovation report, which aims to build a picture of how advances are made in sectors that perform poorly against traditional indicators of innovation, such as the amount spent on research and development and the number of patents produced.

The report highlights the increasing use of off-site manufacture and approaches to risk management at Heathrow Terminal 5 in west London.

The report notes, however, that there is still a challenge in terms of ensuring innovation is disseminated and that smaller firms engage with best practice.

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