Multi-sided Platforms: A Business Model for BIM Adoption in Built Environment SMEs

It has been cogently acknowledged that employing BIM in the built environment companies has delivered remarkable benefits such as enhanced HCI, superior visualization, precise documentation, integrated design, construction and project management processes. Yet, the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) enterprises involved are still lagging behind in embracing BIM into core practices of their projects. This is particularly evident in the case of Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) where higher levels of BIM implementation need to be scrutinized. There is little evidence on how these SMEs perceive the role of BIM management, and to some extent, they apply this process in their projects. The limited financial and human resources of these SMEs make it difficult to keep up with such BIM adoption processes. Therefore, to address these challenges, this paper is to shed light on the potentials of applying the business strategy of Multi-Sided Platform (MSP) in the construction industry and adapting its conceptual model for managing BIM implementation in construction SMEs. Positioning BIM professional services in MSP model can enable these firms to focus on their core businesses while benefiting from the senior talents which offer immediate access to BIM industry best practices. The study contributes to the field by providing succinct information on MSP implementation and its adoption in AEC SMEs. The study contributes to the body of knowledge through positioning BIM management platform in a rather overlooked context namely SMEs. Practically, policy makers and stakeholders would also benefit from the findings in order to promote BIM adoption.