Multi-governance paths of BIM promotion based on fsQCA

Purpose The global architectural, engineering and construction field has greatly benefited from the use of building information modeling (BIM) owing to its high quality, efficiency and sustainability. The practical effect of BIM promotion in the region is unsatisfactory, despite vigorous government support and industry needs. Policy has been regarded as one of the most important drivers for promoting BIM. Existing research mainly focuses on the influences of policy instruments on BIM promotion but fails to reveal their underlying logics and match them locally adapted, limiting their guidance in practice. This study aims to address this research gap by optimizing the path of BIM promotion from the perspective of policy combinations. Design/methodology/approach Policy goals and policy instruments are first identified based on 152 BIM promotion policies issued in China. This paper develops a two-dimensional framework of “policy goals-policy instruments.” The influence mechanisms of policy instrument combinations on BIM promotion are further revealed using fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA). Findings The results show that none of the five policy goals, including enhancing BIM technology application capabilities (FP1), are regarded as core conditions influencing BIM promotion levels (Y). Four configurations were identified, reflecting the four types of BIM multigovernance paths, namely, H1, H2, H3 and H4. Regions with varying developmental contexts will adopt distinct configurations and tailor their BIM promotion strategies accordingly, which may involve overcoming challenges in BIM technology innovation, cultivating BIM talent, enhancing BIM promotion and publicity and integrating BIM with other technologies. Originality/value This paper expands on the application of fsQCA in the context of BIM governance paths. The results provide valuable initial insights for policymakers in different regions, helping to address regional imbalances in BIM promotion and facilitating the construction industry’s transition toward greater intelligence and sustainability.