Building Information Modelling (BIM) is undergoing a marked shift in industry understanding, as outlined in the NBS Digital Construction Report 2025. The findings indicate that BIM is no longer viewed primarily as a set of three-dimensional models but as a structured approach to managing information across project lifecycles. This development signals a step forward for digital construction, where consistent information management and coordinated data processes are becoming standard practice.
Align workflows
The report shows a significant move away from outdated definitions. Only 15% of surveyed professionals now describe BIM as ‘3D models with data’, a reduction of 42% compared with 2023. This change reflects a broader recognition that BIM is not a modelling output but a project information management process. As the sector continues to align workflows with digital construction standards, this shift supports more predictable and transparent information exchanges.
Digital transformation
A key indicator of this evolving understanding is the growing alignment with BS EN ISO 19650. Almost one in three professionals now associate BIM with the international standard for managing information throughout the lifecycle of built assets. This figure has risen from one in five in 2023, indicating increased engagement with structured frameworks for information management. The report also shows that just over one quarter of respondents describe BIM as the foundation of digital transformation, reinforcing its role in supporting long-term sector change.
BIM adoption
BIM adoption remains stable, with seven in ten construction professionals reporting active use. This consistency over seven years highlights BIM’s position as an established digital infrastructure rather than a developing technology. Rather than rising adoption rates, the current focus is on improving implementation quality. Organisations are concentrating on refining information management processes, strengthening collaborative practices, and extracting more strategic value from established BIM workflows.
Commercial implications
The commercial implications of BIM are also becoming more visible. Manufacturers are responding to market expectations by increasing the availability of BIM and digital objects. According to the report, 73% now offer digital product information for at least part of their range, compared with 56% in 2023. Notably, 22% provide digital objects for all products. This growth reflects the increasing role of structured digital data in specification processes, procurement decisions, and supply chain coordination.
BIM-ready
Looking ahead, the report reveals that 16% of manufacturers intend to introduce BIM objects within the next three years. This planned investment demonstrates that BIM-ready product data is seen as an important contributor to market relevance and sales opportunities. As digital construction workflows continue to mature, accessible and structured digital product information is becoming integral to project delivery and asset management.
BIM’s evolution
Dr Stephen Hamil, Innovation Director at NBS, notes that BIM’s evolution is helping the industry improve coordination and achieve more consistent information outcomes. He points to wider digital trends, including cloud platform usage and early-stage AI adoption, as factors that will continue to influence sector development.
The 2025 report positions BIM firmly as a collaborative project information management process that supports reliable data flows, coordinated decision-making, and commercial value. As understanding deepens and standards-led approaches become more common, BIM is set to play a continued role in shaping digital construction practice. The full NBS Digital Construction Report 2025 is now available for download.
Read next: Integrated data model for infrastructure maintenance – Build in Digital
Are you a building professional? Sign up for a FREE MEMBERSHIP to upload news stories, post job vacancies, and connect with colleagues on our secure social feed.
