Formulating a Strategic Plan for BIM Diffusion within the AEC Italian Industry: The Application of Diffusion of Innovation Theory

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Published: Jul 30, 2021
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21315/Jcdc2021.26.1.8
Keywords:
Digital skills diffusion, Diffusion of innovation theory, Building information modelling, BIM adoption, BIM barriers

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Behzad Karampour
Department of Architecture, Construction Engineering and Built Environment (ABC), Politecnico di Milano, Milan, ITALY
Sherif Mohamed
School of Engineering and Built Environment, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, AUSTRALIA
Hassan Karampour
School of Engineering and Built Environment, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, AUSTRALIA
Sonia Lupica Spagnolo
School of Engineering and Built Environment, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, AUSTRALIA

Abstract

The importance of digital skills diffusion in fostering the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry has been highlighted for more than a decade. The extent to which this objective can be achieved depends on several factors. An augmented building information modelling (BIM) adoption stems from, but is not restricted to, government policies and initiatives. This study aims to assess the diffusion of digital skills, specifically through BIM adoption and to establish feasible strategies for such adoption within the Italian AEC industry, taking into account institutional, organisational and project-related factors. This purpose is achieved through an initial investigation of the most significant hurdles in BIM uptake and various BIM-promoting policies adopted at an international level. Moreover, a rigorous review of recent developments in the diffusion of innovation theory is presented. Based on findings and combining the experiences of various authors in BIM-related research an exploratory online survey was conducted, resulting in identification of the clients' lack of knowledge as the most critical challenge to BIM adoption in the Italian AEC industry. Following this finding, the study suggests five strategies to leverage BIM benefits to their full extent, to increase the perception of BIM benefits and to bridge the current gap between the industry and academia.

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How to Cite
Behzad Karampour, Sherif Mohamed, Hassan Karampour, and Sonia Lupica Spagnolo. 2021. “Formulating a Strategic Plan for BIM Diffusion Within the AEC Italian Industry: The Application of Diffusion of Innovation Theory”. Journal of Construction in Developing Countries 26 (1): 161–184. https://doi.org/10.21315/Jcdc2021.26.1.8.
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Vol. 26 No. 1 (2021)
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Articles
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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