# BIM Policy Trends in Europe: Insights from a Multi-Stage Analysis
## 4 Discussion
Moreover, the journal _Buildings_ emerged as a prominent publication outlet, resonating with the significant representation observed in the current analysis. This investigation, while resonant with such themes, adopted a distinctive rule. It pursued the elucidation of current SLR trends through a meticulous database interrogation spanning Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, collating in excess of 200,000 entries. The overarching intent was to amalgamate insights pertinent to the evolution of BIM policy within the European context. Search parameters were meticulously designed to include \"BIM mandatory\", \"BIM implementation\", \"BIM adoption\", \"BIM policy\", and \"BIM roadmap\", coupled with the respective denominations of European nations. Significantly, data extracted from the Scopus database revealed a marked increase in publications pertaining to Italy, the United Kingdom, and Germany--countries where BIM mandates are firmly established--as well as Spain, where the implementation of such mandates is anticipated. Bibliometric visualizations reflect an alignment with international discourse, particularly within the European Union, accentuating the synergy of innovative technology with sustainability. The industry strategy, advanced by the European Commission, is manifested in the most cited literature, reflecting the sector's evolving dynamics. The exploration of European regulatory landscapes culminates in a visual compendium of BIM stipulations, illustrating a tapestry of adoption and commitment levels across the continent. The diversity in strategic approaches--from Germany's adjustments to Ireland's relinquished mandate and Sweden's and Switzerland's grassroot drives--highlights the bespoke nature of BIM integration. Following Catalonia's introduction of a BIM mandate, Spain is preparing for a progressive nationwide rollout. Heterogeneity extends to nations contemplating a nationwide implementation or collaborating public agencies, like Belgium, Croatia, France, Sweden, and Switzerland. Meanwhile, countries such as the Netherlands and Poland, which demonstrate substantial use of augmented and virtual reality, have yet to establish BIM mandates. Poland is planning to implement MacroBIM, and its strategy for BIM implementation is currently evolving. The Netherlands, for its part, is contemplating a digital twin for certain investments. The UK's mandatory BIM, instituted since 2016, underscores a continued commitment to advancing digital maturity. Among the 49 European countries aligned with the United Nations Statistics Division, excluding Russia and Turkey, which are subjects of a separate study focusing on Asia, the majority (65%) do not have mandatory BIM requirements. Of the remainder, 12% already have established BIM mandates, 17% are planning future mandates (including partial implementations), and 6% require BIM in specific public agencies. The introduction of BIM mandates is a complex process that necessitates meticulous preparation of the market and stakeholders. This includes comprehensive training programs, pilot projects to gather insights, the standardization of processes, the creation of document templates, and the securing of sufficient funding for electronic equipment and software. Despitethese considerable challenges, 35% of countries with effective implementation are driving continuous adoptions, highlighting the increasing momentum toward BIM integration across Europe. The juxtaposition of countries based on the introduction or intent to implement BIM against economic indicators such as GDP per capita and FTSE classification reveals associations that merit further investigation. Notably, countries with extant or proposed BIM mandates, even if partial, align with specific economic profiles, suggesting an intricate nexus between economic stature and technological integration within the construction industry.