Evolving Expectations: A Five-Year Study on Bridging Academia and Industry in Virtual Design and Construction Education

The construction industry is rapidly evolving, driven by technological advancements and increasing project complexities, highlighting the need to bridge the gap between academic curricula and industry expectations, particularly in Virtual Design and Construction (VDC). This study employs a five-year Delphi method to evaluate the skills and knowledge required of fresh graduates, focusing on competencies in Building Information Modeling (BIM), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), model management, VDC skills, and collaboration. A panel of 24 experts, evenly split between academia and industry, assessed these competencies, revealing disparities in priorities: academia emphasizes foundational knowledge, while industry demands advanced technical proficiency and practical applications. Over time, industry expectations for emerging technologies, such as generative design and AI-driven tools, have increased, exposing gaps in academic preparation for these evolving skills. The findings highlight the critical need for construction education to align with technological trends and workforce demands by integrating advanced modeling techniques, simulation tools, and collaborative platforms into curricula. By offering actionable insights into curriculum enhancement, this research aims to foster a more adaptable and future-ready workforce, guiding educators and industry stakeholders in equipping graduates with the skills necessary to thrive in the rapidly changing construction landscape.