Strategies to Overcome BIM Barriers in the AEC Industry of Iran

Building Information Modelling (BIM) has emerged as a transformative digital technology that can improve productivity, reduce errors, and enhance collaboration across construction projects worldwide. Despite its well-recognised benefits, the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry in Iran continues to encounter substantial challenges in BIM adoption. Research exploring effective solutions tailored to the Iranian context remains limited, creating a gap that this study aims to address. The purpose of this research is to develop appropriate strategies to overcome barriers to BIM implementation within Iran’s AEC sector. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to examine barriers and existing strategies at global, regional, and local levels. In addition, semi-structured interviews with Iranian industry experts were carried out to capture practical insights specific to Iran’s construction industry. The results indicate that although BIM awareness is gradually increasing, its implementation is hindered by inadequate government support, limited professional knowledge and training, and a significant disconnect between academia and industry practice. Based on these findings, this research emphasizes the need for government-led initiatives, including creating a robust legal and technical framework to mandate BIM, implementing incentive-based measures, and integrating BIM-focused curricula into universities. This study contributes original insights and practical recommendations to accelerate BIM adoption in Iran, supporting broader digital transformation in the construction sector.