Building Information Modelling Diffusion Research in Developing Countries: A User Meta-Model Approach

Building information modelling (BIM) has become a common denominator for information management, efficiency, collaboration, and productivity in the construction industry. The adoption of building information modelling has been assessed to be unequal in the construction industry the world over. It has been observed that developing countries are struggling with BIM adoption and are at a beginner stage in the process. Meanwhile, there have been different research efforts focused on advancing BIM diffusion in developing countries. This study focused on reviewing the research trend and knowledge domains of BIM research in developing countries. The study analysed scholarly publications from selected developing countries sourced from the Scopus database from 2005 to 2019; the study covered BIM research efforts since their commencement in developing countries. The study identified the different research trends and the current focus through visualisations using VOS viewer software. The most influential and productive researchers were also identified. This research contributes to the extant body of knowledge by synthesizing the state of the art of BIM research in developing countries. Furthermore, it provides the pre-COVID-19 BIM diffusion status in developing countries.