Overcoming Challenges in BIM Adoption in post-Soviet countries: a Framework for Building Client Organizations

Abstract

Building Information Modelling (BIM) has emerged as a transformative technology in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry, offering significant potential for improving project efficiency, collaboration, and transparency. However, its adoption in post-Soviet countries, particularly within the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), remains limited due to a range of socio-technical, organizational, and regulatory challenges. This research investigates the primary barriers faced by Building Client Organizations (BCO) in the CIS region when adopting and implementing BIM. The study also examines the role of Design-Engineering Organizations (DEO) in supporting BCO during this digital transition.
The research follows a qualitative methodology, combining semi-structured interviews with professionals from a design-engineering company and document analysis of BIM Execution Plans (BEP) and Employer's Information Requirements (EIR). Four interviews were conducted with industry experts who were involved in BIM projects in the CIS region. This data was analyzed using selective coding to identify key challenges and strategies for overcoming these barriers. Additionally, the research employed document analysis to validate the insights from interviews and to provide context for the identified challenges.
The study proposes a comprehensive change framework to address the identified challenges in BIM adoption. The framework emphasizes the need for enhanced collaboration between BCO and DEO, with a focus on standardizing processes, improving client education, and aligning expectations. It integrates change management models, such as Kotter's 8-Step Change Model and the ADKAR model, to guide organizations through the digital transformation process. This framework aims to address technical barriers, such as interoperability and data standardization, while also fostering cultural and organizational shifts needed to overcome resistance to change and low client engagement.
Despite the limitation of a small sample size and validation from one organization, the research contributes valuable insights due to the expertise of the participants and the lack of existing studies focused on BIM adoption in the CIS region. The findings provide practical recommendations for advancing BIM implementation in this context, contributing to the broader body of knowledge on BIM adoption in transitioning economies.