BIM Implementation – Global Strategies

TLDR

BIM adoption remains a major challenge in construction, with uptake lagging behind other sectors despite the technology existing for over a decade. This study examines BIM implementation issues and investigates the initiatives and approaches employed by leading countries worldwide. The authors conducted a literature review of global BIM trends and a detailed analysis of implementation strategies across North America, Scandinavia, the UK, Singapore, China, Hong Kong, and Australia. BIM uptake has accelerated, with North America, the UK, and Scandinavia leading; coordinated government support, national and global standards, legal protocols, certification, education, and a clear business case are key drivers, and the paper offers a set of actionable recommendations.

Abstract

This paper examines the issues related to the implementation of Building Information Modeling (BIM) in the construction industry and the various initiatives and approaches that are being used in various countries around the world to promote effective BIM implementation in their construction industries. The effective implementation and use of BIM remains a major issue for the construction industry. Whilst the technology underpinning BIM has been around for well over a decade BIM implementation and take-up has been relatively slow in the construction industry compared to industries such as manufacturing and engineering. The purpose of this study is to investigate the initiatives and approaches that are being used by countries that are leading the way in the field. The methodology for this paper is based on a literature review of the key global trends in relation to BIM implementation and then a detailed investigation of implementation strategies that have been developed in a range of countries and regions such as North America, Scandinavia, the United Kingdom, Singapore, China, Hong Kong and Australia. The research reveals that there BIM implementation has gained considerable momentum over the past few years. A number of countries are developing successful implementation strategies with North America, the United Kingdom and the Scandinavian region generally leading the way. A key finding was the importance of coordinated government support and leadership as a critical driver for BIM implementation. Other important strategies were found to be the development of national and global BIM standards, legal protocols to address liability issues, BIM certification, education and training and articulating the business case for BIM implementation. The paper concludes with a range of strategies and recommendations that flow from the research findings.