Multilevel institutional analysis of BIM policy diffusion in China’s construction industry: a spatiotemporal perspective

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a key digital technology transforming the construction industry, particularly in rapidly digitizing economies like China. However, its policy diffusion remains spatially uneven due to fragmented governance, regional disparities, and decentralized implementation mechanisms. Drawing on institutional analysis and multi-level governance frameworks, this study investigates the spatiotemporal evolution of BIM institutional arrangements (BIM-IA) across China from 2011 to 2024. Employing a mixed-methods approach that integrates institutional hierarchy analysis with Exploratory Spatial Data Analysis and GeoDetector, we identify key regional disparities and driving factors influencing BIM-IA diffusion. Results reveal significant spatial autocorrelation and clustering patterns, with “high-high” clusters in eastern provinces and “low-low” clusters in western regions. Key determinants include IT talent density, information infrastructure, and regional economic development. A spatially adaptive policy framework is proposed to mitigate regional disparities and accelerate BIM adoption within China’s decentralized governance context, offering theoretical and practical insights for emerging economies undergoing digital transitions.