Participants are encouraging to present on one of the following topics, which are each designed to support the wider adoption of BIM by construction SMEs. Topics selected can be specific to one of the topics (Topics 1-9). If a participant’s paper falls outside of the realm of any theme, or combines multiple themes, they may choose option 10.

  1.  Articulate BIM’s benefits across the entire lifecycle

    BIM should be seen as beneficial across the project lifecycle notwithstanding at what entry point the construction SME is involved in the project lifecycle.

    Motivational experiences (economic, social and environmental) in adopting BIM, motivational strategies adopted by SMEs, clients and other stakeholders, in addition to any pilot use cases and lessons learned in leveraging BIM data for operation and maintenance purposes, in particular the increasing relevance of developing and delivering digital twins.

  2. Think of BIM as a value creator, not as a cost factor 

    Construction SMEs must understand how BIM benefits them by adding value to their business rather than adding costs.

    Developing benchmarks against which BIM costs and benefits can be measured/monitored.

    Experiences in the use or development industry standards for calculating return of investment and ultimate revenue growth.

  3. Approach BIM as the essential first step to digital transformation 

    BIM should be seen as a necessary first step towards digital transformation of the industry. Development of a digital transformation strategy or roadmap for introducing digital technologies to improve business aspects such as reducing operational costs, improving quality, increasing efficiency, improved customer experiences etc.

    Case studies in the development of in-house BIM guidance reflective of relevant international information management standards.

  4. Use integrated contracts, redefine risk-return mechanisms and bim procurement requirements

    Increased SME adoption will occur if there is a specific requirement for collaborative teamwork through using integrated contracts, new forms of collaborative procurement which have led to stakeholder experiences of fairer risk allocations leading to more favourable project outcomes.

  5. Set up early collaboration and communication among stakeholders 

    Beneficial experiences in the adoption of BIM to support early collaboration and communication across all stakeholders.

    Experiences in revising corporate cultures, structures and processes for more comprehensive collaborations and in the use of BIM collaboration procedures (e.g. BIM Protocol etc.).

  6. Adopt data-sharing and open BIM Standards

    Case studies in the beneficial use of open BIM and international information management standards including experiences in available of state support to develop in-house BIM capability in BIM standards adoption.

    Experiences and advice in respect to regulations to protect BIM IP and data ownership.

  7. Establish BIM skills along the full value chain

    Encourage and incentivise to develop new skills and changing behaviours to support new work processes.

    Development of BIM into general design and AEC education/training programmes.

    Role of national funded support programmes/organisation designed to support construction SMEs in BIM adoption.

    Experiences in the use of effective peer mentoring initiatives within construction SME enterprises. Incorporate BIM skills training in public engineering, procurement and O&M focused organisations.

    Embrace buildingSMART International Professional Certification Programme.

  8. Change behaviours and processes, not just technology 

    Encourage innovation and digital company culture to create a workplace that motivates employees to try new things whilst enhancing the learning of the workforce.

    How to attract talent and younger generations to join SME organisations. How to create a digital culture that allows for collaborative, flexible and more autonomous workplaces, increasing employee engagement.

    Adopt BIM as part of a comprehensive change management programme and streamline internal processes before adopting BIM.

  9. Make a long-term commitment and support construction SMEs 

    At the government level, it requires a long-term commitment to include BIM in public sector projects and uptake of state support programmes to get the technology into the hands of the SMEs who need it.

    Understand the value and challenges created by regulatory use of BIM. Experiences in the long-term strategic commitment to BIM by construction SMEs.

    International experiences in the use of regulatory and non-regulatory BIM governmental requirements.

  10. Alternative to/Combination of other themes