The Future Role of Facilities Managers in an Era of Industry 4.0

The job description of asset and facilities managers continue to evolve. The future roles of facilities managers is somewhat a concern, given the trend and progression of innovative technologies in recent times. This study sought to evaluate the perceptions of built environment practitioners, involved in management of infrastructure during operations, regarding the influence of technological innovation on the future roles of facilities managers in terms of sustainability. An interview guide was used to solicit information regarding the future roles and responsibilities of facilities managers. The interviews were conducted with five facilities management practitioners selected purposively and conveniently based on knowledge, willingness and ability to participate in the study. Themes on the influence of innovation on facilities management practice and future adaptive roles of facilities management were evinced. These findings are envisaged to be useful in developing new strategies and directions to equip and accord facilities managers with the necessary techniques to adapt in this ever-changing era of technology and innovation. © 2019 The Authors. Published by Budapest University of Technology and Economics & Diamond Congress Ltd. Peer-review under responsibility of the scientific committee of the Creative Construction Conference 2019.