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Well, although not the only pilot in the construction industry, Civil Engineers can do a whole lot. I'd explain it in a situation.
A lowly engineer in the front line successfully troubleshot a problem. He documented the cause, method employed to resolve the problem and the results; and then submitted the same to his superior. In another project, a similar problem transpired, he employed the same solution with improvements, and then documented it as well.
In the long while, project after project, the problem keeps on popping up and his solution seemed to work excellently, hence, the company officially adopted his solution to all its projects with forecasts that the same problem would transpire. Other companies caught wind of it, and adopted the same until the whole industry has taken in the best practice and the world enjoys (that's R&D and marketing through actual circumstances).
What I am trying to say is, every problem solved by an Engineer in the construction site, laboratory or office, has a potential to improve the industry's technology. After all, every book or code written that forms the basis of our profession is merely a compendium of experiences from everyone in the industry.
A good documentation is basic for repetitive application of practices, and then careful improvements.
Phew, long answer but I hope it helps.