Global BIM Network enables knowledge sharing and advances the digitalisation of the built environment

Image courtesy Connected Places Catapult

Policy approach(es) used to catalyse investment: Development of a national, regional, or sectoral InfraTech strategy 

Public policy is used across the globe to encourage the digital transformation of the construction sector, employing Building Information Modelling (BIM) methodology to drive greater social, economic, and environmental benefits from the built environment. These policies are implemented through initiatives and public sector programs that create positive impact at the national, organisational, and project levels.

The Global BIM Network connects public sector representatives and multilateral organisations over national and regional digitalisation agendas for the construction industry and built environment, through knowledge sharing, collaboration and co-production. Through public events and knowledge exchange activities, the Network connects members working on similar developments in different parts of the world with similar challenges to share insights, resources, project outcomes, and lessons learned.

The Global BIM Network collaborates to co-develop and host an online, open-access knowledge base of resources from governments and organisations championing BIM in public sector construction and infrastructure projects. It provides guidance and access to documentation, protocols, operational manuals, case studies, tools, training materials, and other resources to facilitate the strategic introduction of BIM worldwide.  The Information Collection is open to everyone with an interest in growing the benefits from the structured use of BIM as part of the larger digital transformation of the sector. It  is organised geographically and structured under four categories, known as information pillars:

• Public leadership: BIM policy, legislation, programs, strategy, and plans
• Collaborative framework: Legal, procurement, technical references, guidance, templates, and tools
• Communication and communities: References to communities of practice, media publications and websites
• Capability and capacity building: Training materials, case studies and skills development.

The Global BIM Network's Roadmap 2021-25 outlines a vision and collaborative pathway for public sector leadership across the globe to promote the digitalisation of the built environment. Launched at the Network’s first General Assembly on 2 December 2021, the Roadmap aims to support and promote public sector leadership efforts to collaborate with industry on the critical opportunity of digitalisation in response to the pandemic, climate change, and to drive inclusive growth through capacity building and knowledge transfer. The Roadmap has been co-created by representatives from international public sector and multi-lateral organisations and public infrastructure funders connected and collaborating through the Network. Going forward, members of the Network will work together to develop and deliver the knowledge and activities to increase the global public sector’s digital capabilities and capacities.

Other approaches that enabled investment

International knowledge sharing and collaboration: The Network is the natural development of the increased level of international collaboration between governments and multilateral organisations on the digitalisation agenda in the construction industry and built environment. These collaborations include the EU BIM Task Group, the UK’s Prosperity Funded Global Infrastructure Program and CDBB’s International programme; Singapore’s Regional BIM Symposiums, the Inter-American Development Bank and the Red BIM de Gobiernos Latinoamericanos in Latin America. These partnerships have stimulated national BIM programs and regional initiatives that promote the use of digital across the public and private sector, aligned with a common language and common benefits.

Note: This case study and all information within was submitted by Connected Places Catapult in response to our global call for InfraTech case studies.