Smart city UK: integrating BIM and IoT under digital built Britain strategy

The Digital Built Britain (DBB) strategic plan introduces building information modelling (BIM) Level 3 as a key enabler of the UK’s smart city vision. This initiative aims to enhance infrastructure performance by using BIM and the Internet of Things (IoT) to improve construction, asset management, and operational efficiency through data integration. Despite the 2025 target, implementing BIM Level 3 faces major challenges, including data interoperability, industry readiness, and gaps between policy and practise. This paper critically examines the feasibility of meeting DBB-BIM Level 3 goals within the UK’s smart city framework, focusing on how BIM and IoT integration can overcome these barriers. An abductive research approach, supported by case studies from London and Bristol, is used to assess the nation’s digitalisation progress. The findings highlight the urgent need for coordinated strategies that align government objectives with industry capacity, supported by clear standards for data governance, cybersecurity, and interoperability. The originality of this study lies in its focused evaluation of BIM Level 3 implementation and its role in enabling smart cities. As the 2025 deadline nears, this research provides timely insights into strategic planning, policy alignment, and future implementation paths to advance digital transformation in the built environment.