The Adaptive Interoperability Journey: Navigating Fragmentation in Digital AEC Projects

The architecture, engineering, and construction sector's digital transformation has been hindered by persistent interoperability challenges.These issues have undermined productivity despite the advent of advanced technologies such as building information modelling and computational design.This study investigates how design team managers in the United Kingdom address interoperability issues by focusing on both technical and organisational factors.Using a qualitative approach based on interviews, the research explores how managers experience these challenges in practice and how technical solutions and organisational strategies co-evolve.From this investigation, the adaptive interoperability journey (AIJ) model was developed to guide design teams in enhancing interoperability by implementing organisational learning through three phases: alignment, mastery-building, and regenerative innovation.The AIJ model offers strategic principles to assist organisations in effectively adapting to their specific circumstances and navigating digital transformation challenges.This work contributes to the lean construction literature by aligning theory with practice to improve collaboration and productivity in fragmented project environments.