BIM in construction production: Gains and hinders for firms, projects and industry

Paper in proceeding, 2020

The construction industry strives to implement digitalization and Building Information Modelling (BIM). Studies of BIM in construction claim that a pronounced BIM strategy, knowledge of the subject and a willingness to change are important factors to succeed, but even when such conditions are in place, BIM implementation in construction production is scant and has limited impact. So how should the construction industry go from grand digital visions to practical application in reality? By identifying gains, obstacles and success factors on company, project and sector levels the paper aims to set out a road map for successful BIM implementation in construction production. Data sets, both qualitative and quantitative from eleven studies of using BIM in construction production, show that although the industry is making progresses in implementing BIM and digitalization, the full potential is far from realised. Specifically, the research presents an analysis of factors in relation to (1) strategy and innovation, (2) technology, (3) organizing, and (4) ecosystem. Conclusively, all these levels are strongly interdependent and need to be considered by adopting a holistic approach to reach an enhanced implementation.