# Advancing BIM and Sustainability with Coopetition: Evidence from the Portuguese Stone Industry
## 2 BIM as a Potential Response to an Efficient Construction Industry  
The construction industry has been criticized for generating avoidable waste, reflected in high costs, extended project timelines, and significant ecological footprints [16]. In response, governments and industry practitioners have supported the gradual implementation of BIM to increase transparency [3] and efficiency [6]. BIM has evolved as a successor to CAD in the construction industry [17]. Driven by government directives, the construction industry is now at the forefront of incorporating BIM into its practices, motivated by cost reduction goals, shortened project timelines, and alignment with sustainability principles [18]. This integration signifies a significant shift towards more responsible and efficient design and construction methodologies [19]. BIM represents a paradigm shift in conceptualizing, executing, and managing construction projects. At its core, it provides a digital twin of physical construction [20]. The essence of BIM technology lies in creating a digital representation that mirrors every facet of physical construction [21]. However, this has led to some confusion in the industry regarding the conflation of BIM maturity level with BIM dimensions [22]. BIM maturity refers to the sophistication level at which the supply chain can exchange information, highlighting the collaborative capabilities of the involved parties. In contrast, BIM dimensions encompass the various data types attached to a model, adding depth and insight into the project's lifecycle [23]. Incorporating data dimensions within a BIM context allows for unparalleled comprehension of the construction process [24]. Designers and stakeholders gain a holistic view of the project, including initial design, work stages, delivery methods for each component, budgeting, and maintenance plans. These dimensions foster a more refined management approach [25]. While the first three dimensions (3D BIM) relate to the solid geometry of objects, the fourth dimension (4D BIM) integrates the crucial aspect of time, marking a significant evolution in project management and coordination within the construction industry [25]. By incorporating project timelines directly into BIM models, 4D BIM introduces a dynamic and interactive approach to planning, allowing for real-time visualization of construction sequences [17]. The fifth dimension (5D BIM) focuses on cost management within construction projects by integrating financial data with each component in the digital model [26]. This holistic approach transforms budgeting into a dynamic, detail-oriented process, enabling immediate visibility and ongoing updates on the financial impacts of design choices and manufacturing changes throughout the project's duration [27]. The sixth dimension (6D BIM) focuses on sustainability by integrating environmental sustainability metrics directly into the building information model [28]. This provides real-time insights into the ecological footprint of materials and processes throughout a project's lifecycle, equipping professionals with the tools to make decisions that adhere to sustainability objectives [29]. Beyond these, BIM includes other dimensions, particularly maintenance and construction safety, allowing for a holistic view of the process from project inception to demolition [9]. However, to realize the full potential of BIM, construction manufacturing companies must effectively address, contribute to, and meet these BIM dimensions. A fundamental assumption of this study is that some indicators of construction manufacturing companies--low cost, completion on time, and sustainability--are crucial for realizing the benefits of BIM. This assumption is supported by the existing literature, which explicitly indicates the relevance of these performance aspects. Cost Efficiency: BIM enables precise cost estimation and budget management (5D BIM), directly linking to the performance aspect of low waste [30].