Integrating BIM in Industrial Engineering programs. A new strategy model

Abstract The implementation of the BIM in the AEC sector, both in companies and in academic institutions, is taking place mainly through the knowledge and handling of the software that makes its implementation possible. There are several public and private initiatives that provide professionals with workshops, courses, degree programs and even master’s programmes oriented towards knowledge of the BIM methodology. These are aimed at all types of professionals, from qualified technicians to unskilled labour. In order to achieve a truly successful implementation of BIM, it is important not to focus only on the technological perspective, but to base it on the human aspects involved in the methodology. Working the skills is as important, if not the most, as using the tools. It is the attitude of the professionals that will determine a successful integration. This paper brings together research works on the state of higher education in Spain in industrial engineering programmes related to BIM and the required competencies. Educational guides and also the needs of the sector are reviewed. New roles and skills demanded are also analysed. The implementation strategies and academic barriers found when integrating BIM methodology in higher education are studied in depth. Finally, the paper presents a model proposal that includes the main lines of work to integrate BIM so that the training of future graduates will be effective for the sector.