Research-to-Practice Drivers and Barriers: Visualization, Information Modeling, and Simulation Technologies in AEC/FM

The capital projects industry has seen numerous emerging technologies introduced to improve efficiency and productivity, yet few have been widely adopted and standardized, and only a small number of funded research projects have resulted in commercialized and successfully implemented products. The reasons for this limited adoption and commercialization remain unclear. This study investigated the root causes and defined challenges that are faced on the path to research to practice (R2P) in the architectural, engineering, construction, and facilities management (AEC-FM) domains, as well as long-term success indicators. To this end, the Visualization, Information Modeling, and Simulation (VIMS) Committee of the ASCE Computing Division launched an initiative to document the R2P challenges faced by both academia (barriers to commercialization) and industry (barriers to technology adoption). It reviewed the R2P practices from related fields, gathered expert input on key barriers and drivers, and discussed best practices and long-term success indicators drawn from successful commercialization cases. Findings are sought to ultimately contribute to successful knowledge transfer, commercialization, and entrepreneurship activities in the capital projects industry.