Building Information Modelling (BIM) is increasingly recognised as a cornerstone of digital, sustainable, and efficient public procurement. Yet, its adoption across Europe remains uneven. To better understand current practices, challenges, and expectations, the Public Buyers Community conducted a comprehensive survey among public authorities, industry actors, SMEs, academics, and other stakeholders active in the building and infrastructure sectors 

The survey results confirm a strong consensus on the strategic value of BIM for public procurement. Respondents widely agree that clear national mandates, supported by robust legal and regulatory frameworks, are essential to move from fragmented, voluntary adoption toward consistent and scalable implementation. More than three-quarters of participants rated the importance of a BIM mandate as high or very high, highlighting the need for policy clarity to encourage investment, standardisation, and long-term planning.

Beyond regulation, the findings emphasise that successful BIM implementation depends on a comprehensive ecosystem. Key enablers identified include harmonised standards and guidelines, structured implementation roadmaps, capacity-building and training programmes, and secure digital infrastructure to ensure data quality, interoperability, and lifecycle traceability. Importantly, many respondents stressed that BIM should be seen not as an end in itself, but as a means to achieve reliable, high-quality data that supports transparency, sustainability, and better decision-making in public projects.

The survey also sheds light on persistent barriers. The absence of national coordination, limited training opportunities for public buyers, budgetary constraints, and cultural resistance to change continue to slow progress. SMEs, while recognised as vital innovation drivers, face specific challenges related to skills gaps, upfront costs, and complex or inconsistent tender requirements.

At EU level, respondents expressed strong support for developing harmonised BIM guidelines to reduce fragmentation, facilitate cross-border cooperation, and strengthen the digital single market for construction and infrastructure. There is also broad agreement that national governments should lead BIM adoption, working closely with dedicated BIM offices, professional networks, and public–private partnerships to translate policy into practice.

By capturing diverse perspectives from across Europe and beyond, this report provides valuable evidence to inform future policy discussions, capacity-building initiatives, and collaborative actions. It offers public buyers, policymakers, and market actors a clearer picture of where BIM stands today—and what is needed to unlock its full potential in public procurement.