Purpose The construction industry represents most of every country’s finances and vital to continued economic growth and activities, especially in developing countries. The impact of the severe acute respiratory syndrome-2 disease (COVID19) on the government’s income resulted in the expectation of many public projects being cancelled or delayed providing little opportunity for the emergence of new public projects. This study collated a global qualitative perspective (survey interviews) on the lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic and the positive and negative impacts for future-proofing the construction sector. Design/methodology/approach In total, 76 respondents from five continents excluding South America responded to the online open-ended structured questionnaire. Data collected were analysed through artificial inteligence analytics tool – Zoho analytics. Findings The themes indicating the positive impact obtained from the interview were overhead cost reduction, remote working environment, focus on health and safety, improved productivity and sustainability goals while the themes signifying the negative impact were low business turnover, delays in construction payment and output, difficulties working from home and job losses. Supply chain management, construction project management improvement, concentration on health and safety and effective virtual working environment were collated as themes on lessons learned. Social implications The major findings of this study emphasise on the need to improve the occupational health and safety and onsite safety measures for future proofing of the construction industry. Originality/value The findings from the analyses made clear the imperativeness of the built environment research, with a focus on novel framework and strategies for future proofing the construction industry.

Aim: This study evaluated Building Information Modelling (BIM) awareness and adoption in Nigeria through the line of enquiry known as the 'diffusion of innovations' and its possible uptake. Study Design: The study is quantitative in nature and the primary data fetched through questionnaire survey within Nigerian construction industry. Place and Duration of the Study: Conducted within Northwest , North-central and Lagos, Nigeria for a period of 4 months. Methodology: A quantitative approach was adopted to x-ray the Nigerian construction industry; a structured questionnaire was used across the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC). The generated data were analysed through descriptive statistics (in percentages) and presented in charts and graphs. Results: The result revealed that 59.5% are aware of BIM technology; 22.8% are aware and currently using BIM and the remaining 17.7% neither aware nor using BIM; consequently, the industry was evaluated just within the Late Majority in terms of awareness and just entered the Early Majority in terms of BIM technology adoption.

Building Information Modelling (BIM) adoption is generally assessed through one of these two main approaches: Statistical evaluation of survey from stakeholders operating within a country or market and the use of macro BIM-adoption models and metrics. The recent paper “macro-BIM adoption: Comparative market analysis” sets a pace to continues development of comparative market studies. However, precedent is important for continues learning and adoption to contextualise this evolving field. This study aimed to set a unique precedent through comparative analysis of BIM adoption trends in the USA, UK and Australia to set a pace for beginners or early BIM adopting countries to learn from. This study is literature based analysed using content analysis. The study reveals the following:           ✓ For a vibrant and even BIM adoption, government is involved; ✓ Government mandate facilitates wide BIM adoption and integrates a country’s industry to the world; ✓ The mandate also facilitates BIM research and training that lead to rise in country’s income through providing trainings and work force export; ✓ Diffusion dynamic varies at different times, depending on country’s flexibility to adoption of innovation; ✓ The dynamic also changes as the industry’s culture/regulation changes. Recommendations are made based on the study findings especially to the new adopter countries planning to develop a strategy for macro-BIM adoption.

The 'digitalization and collaboration' or Building Information Modelling (BIM) in the construction industry has been gaining momentum in the recent academic engagements. Despite its existence in many industries (i.e. publishing, retailing, financial and travel services) for over a decade, the construction industry is yet to catch up with them. This is due to several challenges whose existence are more dynamic and perhaps generic than static to various countries. The challenges are mostly defined, but their impacts are frequently varied with boundaries; and the same applied to drivers toward a successful BIM adoption. This study aims to establish barriers and drivers to adopting BIM across Nigerian construction industry professions for synchronization and collective engagements. Primary data was fetched from professional stakeholders (Architects, Engineers, Builders, Quantity Surveyors, Project Managers and Planners) using online structured questionnaire. A total of 68 valid responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The study reveals a significant improvement in awareness level with much better adoption rate; however, the utilization level remain very limited due to lack of clarity, knowledge and guide. Lack of expertise within organizations and within project team as well as lack of standardization and protocols (in descending order) were found as significant barriers to BIM adoption. On the other hand, availability of trained professionals to handle BIM tools, proof of cost savings by its adoption and the BIM software affordability (in descending order) were found as the significant drivers to achieving a quick and effective BIM adoption. Recommendations were made based on the study findings.