An integrated knowledge-driven framework for digital permitting and compliance: a validation study in Kuwait

Alsaffar, Alhadi ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0000-5262-2440, Beach, Thomas and Rezgui, Yacine ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5711-8400 2026. An integrated knowledge-driven framework for digital permitting and compliance: a validation study in Kuwait. Presented at: European Conference on Product and Process Modelling 2026, Cardiff, 09-11 September 2026. 10.5281/zenodo.22679725

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Abstract

Construction permitting and compliance assurance remain fragmented, document-centred, and knowledge-intensive, limiting municipal authorities' ability to maintain traceable evidence and reuse regulatory knowledge. This study presents an integrated, knowledge- driven framework for digital permitting in Kuwait and subjects it to preliminary expert validation. The framework combines Building Information Modelling (BIM), digital twins (DT), blockchain (BC), and knowledge management systems (KMS) in a staged socio-technical workflow. A sequential mixed-methods design comprised a Round 1 modified Delphi survey of architecture, engineering, construction, and operations (AECO) practitioners and municipal regulators (n=30), an exploratory Round 2 member check (n=4 follow-up participation), and semi-structured interviews with senior municipal and governance experts (n=5). Round 1 ratings of structural coherence and perceived standards alignment had medians of 8-9 on a 9-point scale; BIM was rated as more mature than DT, BC, and KMS. Round 2 responses were consistent with Round 1, while senior experts emphasised that implementation requires a staged, pilot-led approach. Furthermore, the intended workflow is illustrated through a generic, non-empirical municipal workflow illustration. The findings position BIM as the immediate foundation for structured digital evidence, DT as a mechanism for continuity of lifecycle information, BC as a means of selectively anchoring tamper-evident records, and KMS as a means of capturing and reusing compliance knowledge. Ultimately, this paper contributes to process modelling in the built environment by reframing continuous permitting as a lifecycle evidence-and-knowledge governance problem and proposing a staged pathway for municipal pilot evaluation.

Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item - published (Paper)
Date Type:	Published Online
Status:	In Press
Schools:	Schools > Engineering
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	18 September 2026
Last Modified:	18 Sep 2026 15:15
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/189713

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