Global BIM Summit – 17 March 2021

The inaugural Global BIM Summit will take place, online, on 17 March 2021. The global summit, which is expected to attract attendees from more than 40 countries worldwide, marks the launch of a Global BIM Network.

Building information modelling (BIM) is at the heart of the ongoing digitalization of the global construction sector that aims to deliver more sustainable, efficient and cost-effective infrastructures around the world. Working with more than 30 governments around the world the UK's Centre for Digital Built Britain (CDBB) has led a collaborative approach to global digitalisation that is aligned to common principles and international standards (BS EN ISO 19650).

Supported by the Construction Innovation Hub and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), the Global BIM Network’s aim is to bring together the public sector, with multilaterals and investors, in the spirit of collaboration and knowledge-sharing, so that nations across the world can benefit from being better informed and contribute towards the digitalization of the global construction industry.

The Global BIM Summit in March 2021 will connect investors, the public sector and industry to increase learning and accelerate digital change across the global construction. With an annual estimated worth of $10tn the global construction sector presents a scale of digital opportunity that can be difficult to comprehend. To put it into context, the introduction of efficiencies and productivity improvements led by digitalization is estimated to be worth a potential $250bn in savings to the sector each year - this equates to two-thirds of the global infrastructure gap.

Adam Matthews, Head of International, CDBB said:
"BIM is inclusive, it’s a digital collaboration that draws people in to solving the challenge of delivering the world’s infrastructure. Our partnering with governments and industry around the world has accelerated the digital change across the sector by bringing together diverse ideas, cultures and people. The Global BIM Summit and Network will foster shared knowledge and benefits by growing an open digital construction sector.”

Helen King, Head of Prosperity for the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office said:
"The FCDO Prosperity Fund Global Infrastructure Programme is delighted to support the Global BIM Summit. Our partnership is playing a valuable part in closing the global infrastructure gap and creating an inclusive and sustainable future for all. This is more important than ever as we recover and build back from the impact of COVID-19.”

Keith Waller, Programme Director for the Construction Innovation Hub said:
“As nations around the world identify ways to recover from the pandemic crisis, there is a growing consensus that innovation in the construction sector can help us build back better, drive increased value and be an engine for long-term sustainable growth. The Global BIM Summit and the new Network will offer an opportunity for countries around the world to share learning and to work together to build a construction sector that is fit for the future.”

The Global BIM Summit will take place online at 11.00 (GMT) and 15.00 (GMT) to account for time differences globally. There is also a Global BIM Summit Pre-Event Series planned on the below dates where founding members and multi-lateral organisations of the Global BIM Network will share updates on national BIM initiatives within their countries and regions:

• 3 March 2021
• 4 March 2021
• 10 March 2021
• 11 March 2021

The Global BIM Summit is open to all organisations and individuals who have an interest in learning more about the opportunity for digital transformation of the construction sector and its implications and benefits for infrastructure investors and the global public and private sector.

Click HERE to register for the Global BIM Summit Pre Event Series.

Click HERE to register for the Global BIM Summit.

ENDS

Notes to editor:

• BIM – Building Information Modelling (BIM) is the “use of a shared digital representation of a built asset to facilitate design, construction and operation processes to form a reliable basis for decisions” (BS EN ISO 19650-1:2018).
• BIM facilitates early supply chain and operational team involvement. Furthermore, it unlocks more efficient and transparent ways of planning, designing, creating and maintaining built assets, whether buildings or infrastructure, over their whole lifecycle.
• The Centre for Digital Built Britain (CDBB) is a partnership between the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy and the University of Cambridge. It is also a partner in the Construction Innovation Hub. CDBB seeks to understand how the construction and infrastructure sectors could use a digital approach to better design, build, operate, integrate the built environment.
• The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) pursues our national interests and projects the UK as a force for good in the world. We promote the interests of British citizens, safeguard the UK’s security, defend our values, reduce poverty and tackle global challenges with our international partners.

Find out more about the Construction Innovation Hub Digital theme »