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Supporting digitalisation of the construction sector and SMEs Including Building Information Modelling EUROPEAN COMMISSION LEGAL NOTICE

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The digitalisation of the construction sector goes beyond the sole use of BIM (Building Information Modelling) to include automated fabrication (pre-fabrication) using robots and 3D printing, drones, 3D scanning, sensors and Internet of things (IoT). Each of these technologies are slowly penetrating the construction sector in Europe, but so far, the focus on the digitalisation of the construction sector has been on BIM. Nevertheless, seizing the full potential of the digitalisation of the construction sector requires combining BIM with the other digitalisation technologies already in use in the construction sector. BIM is, in fact, the only digitalisation technology mentioned in the EU procurement directive. Furthermore, BIM is the only digitalisation technology required for use, on mandatory basis, for public works and design in eight Member States (Austria, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Spain and the United Kingdom). With up to 98% of its construction chain composed of SMEs and micro-enterprises characterised by decreasing innovation activity, low rates of technological adoption and decreasing efficiency, digitalisation of SMEs in the construction sector is strategic for the EU.
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... In addition to the surveys, we studied a report by the European Commission (Etminan et al. 2019) (labelled EC below) and McKinsey (McKinsey Global Institute 2017) (labelled MK below) and grouped the cited barriers and frictions into the PESTEL framework. ...
... The most promising way to package and deliver technology are digital platforms. There is broad support for "a new and extended digital platform" (Etminan et al. 2019). Such a platform would address the issues of lack of knowledge as it would provide a context for a more friendly technology delivery tool and could as well provide best practices, guidelines and regulations on how to organize for a BIM centred workflow. ...
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Construction is trailing other industries in the adoption of information and communication technology (ICT). A major European project Digiplace is investigating if this problem could be addressed using digital platform technology. In the context of this project the current state, future goals and barriers in between have been researched through literature studies, surveys, and interviews. Several similar studies have been done in the past; however, the barriers are still there. The paper, therefore, introduces a novel framework to study technology transfer. It identifies three key vectors of transfer: standards and regulation, software, and people. Along these vectors, it identifies elements that pull and elements that push technology, but which need to overcome the various frictions and barriers. These are then structured according to the PESTEL approach. This approach encourages the holistic study of factors beyond technology. The paper concludes that there is a need for a better way of deployment, organizing, marketing, and learning about new technologies which would mostly benefit small and medium enterprises which lag most in the use of ICT. This could be implemented in the form of industrial digital platforms as a part of the Industry 4.0 strategy.
... Construction projects are revolutionised by introducing BIM (Building Information Modelling) in the construction industry. It changed how projects are managed and executed as a collaborative approach to building design, construction, and management [1], [2]. Construction is currently the least digitised and industrialised of all industries. ...
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Purpose This paper aims to identify and provide a theoretical explanation for the barriers that hinder the adoption of emerging technologies in the architecture, engineering and construction industry, irrespective of the company’s size, specialization or geographical location. In addition, the paper proposes potential areas for future research in this domain. Design/methodology/approach A list of barriers hindering the adoption of emerging technologies was identified and clarified using a systematic literature review of various scientific sources. Findings Twenty-five barriers were recognized and explained and some suggestions for future research studies were provided. Research limitations/implications The barriers related to a specific country or region or to a specific technology were excluded. Originality/value By providing a deeper comprehension of the barriers hindering the adoption of emerging technologies, this review is expected to encourage their adoption in the industry. Furthermore, it could prove valuable in devising effective strategies for the successful implementation of these technologies.
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