The Development of BIM in Switzerland Has Strengthened Significantly in the Past 18 Months

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a digitalization process that is transforming the Swiss construction industry. BIM expert Mark Baldwin discussed the opportunities and challenges of BIM implementation in Switzerland, and emphasized the need for a correct understanding of digitalization among industry professionals. While Switzerland has a high score in “basic digital infrastructure” and “International Competitiveness”, the industry still has room for improvement in terms of “Industry 4.0”. Baldwin compared the differences in BIM implementation between Anglo-Saxon and German-speaking countries, and stressed the importance of education in adapting to BIM. Baldwin sees three key BIM roles that will emerge: BIM Engineer, BIM Coordinator, and BIM Manager. He emphasized the need for professionals to overcome the mental barriers towards BIM implementation and recognize the benefits of digitization.