The influence of leadership, resources and organisational structure on BIM adoption

Abstract

Building Information Modelling (BIM) affects the construction processes and at the forefront of digital innovation. BIM allegedly carries benefits for better collaboration and less cost. BIM attracts the attention of numerous large and small firms that update their strategies to embrace this digital shift. However, construction firms face challenges to BIM adoption. There is a close relationship between BIM adoption efficiency and enterprise strategy, which is a key BIM adoption driver. After studying three Dutch and one Finnish firms to understand their BIM adoption history and strategies; enablers and barriers for business model innovation due to BIM were observed. Drawing upon empirical data and organisational, and innovation theories, this paper discusses points for BIM business model innovation. First, leadership commitment was decisive for attaining BIM adoption goals. Second, small firms did better than large firms in BIM adoption, as they met their financial goals and growth with less risk. Third, flexible organisational structures were resilient to meeting BIM changes. The study outlines implications for policy-makers and enterprises who have or plan to adopt BIM and adds to the knowledge base of BIM innovation adoption.