Navigating the diffusion of innovation of building information modelling across the construction supply chain: A multi-level and multi actor analysis

Ganfoud, Abdelrahman 2025. Navigating the diffusion of innovation of building information modelling across the construction supply chain: A multi-level and multi actor analysis. PhD Thesis, Cardiff University. Item availability restricted.

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Abstract

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is increasingly recognised as vital for digital transformation in construction. However, its diffusion across the supply chain remains uneven and fragmented. Persistent challenges (e.g., temporary project organisations, complex actor interdependencies, unclear roles) hinder systematic BIM adoption. Conventional innovation theories often fail to capture this complexity. The aim of this thesis is to navigate through Rogers’ Diffusion of Innovation (DoI) Theory stages from a multi-level, multi-actor perspective to examine how roles and interactions influence BIM adoption and shape diffusion trajectories across the construction ecosystem. The research adopts a qualitative, two-phase exploratory design. Phase one analysed 18 secondary case studies to identify patterns in BIM implementation and actor role dynamics across DoI stages. Phase two comprises 20 semistructured interviews with clients, main contractors, designers, and subcontractors, providing in-depth insight into actor perceptions, challenges, drivers, and future perspectives, while validating and extending the understanding of actor roles and their dynamics across DoI stages and interconnected levels. Key findings reveal BIM diffusion as a non-linear, iterative, and contextdependent process. This study uniquely highlights how actor roles fundamentally shape diffusion across DoI stages and interconnected organisational levels, challenging traditional adoption views. It identifies the divergence in actor perceptions, persistent barriers and key drivers, and underscores the crucial and often under-theorised role of continuous feedback loops for iterative learning. This research provides a nuanced understanding of how BIM adoption is shaped by actor roles, responsibilities, and interdependencies across multiple levels. Its main contribution lies in contextualising and operationalising DoI in multi-actor, project-based construction contexts, synthesised into a BIM diffusion roles framework that supports role alignment, improved coordination, and embedded learning.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Date Type:	Completion
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Schools > Business (Including Economics)
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	diffusion of innovation; building information modelling; construction supply chain; multi-level and multi actor analysis
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	21 August 2026
Last Modified:	21 Aug 2026 08:23
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/189108

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