SPECIAL ISSUE EDITORIAL: Managing the digital transformation of construction industry (CONVR 2023)

The 23rd International Conference on Construction Applications of Virtual Reality (CONVR 2023), held from November 13th to 16th at the University of Florence, Italy, served as a significant gathering for researchers and industry experts dedicated to exploring the intricacies of digital transformation within the architecture, engineering, construction, and operation (AECO) sector. This year's conference attracted over 150 participants from 32 countries, creating a dynamic environment for discussions on the latest advancements in Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR), Building Information Modeling (BIM), Digital Twins, Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Linked Building Data, as well as simulation and automation in the construction industry. The overarching theme of “Managing the Digital Transformation of the Construction Industry” reflected the urgent necessity of digitalization into construction practices and processes and provided the foundation for rich exchanges of knowledge.