Scotland urged to build on BIM success as report sets out vision for connected public estates

Scotland's public sector estate is entering a new phase in its digital journey, according to a major new report examining how better use of data can improve the design, construction and operation of public buildings.

Commissioned by infrastructure body, the Scottish Futures Trust and prepared by consultancy firm Okana, the report, Scotland’s journey to a public sector digital estate, highlights that Scotland has made significant progress in adopting Building Information Modelling (BIM) over the past decade. The challenge is ensuring that information created during project design, construction and operation continues to deliver value throughout the whole life of the asset and deliver the vision of a connected public sector digital estate.

The report highlights how BIM and structured information management have become increasingly embedded across public sector construction projects, helping project teams collaborate more effectively, reduce errors and improve decision-making.

Digital tools are also enabling designers and contractors to test and refine proposals before construction begins, reducing risk and improving efficiency on site.

However, the research found that progress is not consistent across the public estate. While many organisations have embraced digital working, others continue to face challenges in embedding information management into day-to-day operations.

According to the report, the biggest opportunity now lies in the operational phase of buildings and infrastructure. Too often, valuable information gathered during design and construction is either lost, duplicated or becomes difficult to access once a project has been handed over.

Improving how information is managed and maintained throughout the lifecycle of an asset could help public bodies plan maintenance more effectively, reduce operating costs, improve building performance and support net zero ambitions.

Commenting on the findings, Ryan Tennyson, associate director at the Scottish Futures Trust, said: “Scotland's BIM journey has reached an important milestone. The industry has shown what can be achieved when clear standards, strong leadership and collaboration come together.

“The challenge now is making sure that the information created during project construction continues to work for building owners and operators long after the building becomes operational. Better information means better decisions, better-performing assets and better value for the public sector.

“Connected digital estates offer a practical way forward, helping organisations make the most of the information they already have while creating stronger foundations for future investment.”

The report highlights that around £7.5 billion of public-sector construction projects have already been delivered using structured information management approaches, demonstrating that adoption is both real and growing.

It concludes that Scotland is well placed to build on this progress, with policies, standards and guidance that compare favourably with international best practice.

However, the report warns that further progress will depend on organisations investing in skills, leadership and governance, while ensuring that information management becomes a routine part of managing public assets rather than something limited to individual projects.

Early examples of connected digital estate initiatives are already showing what can be achieved, but the report says wider adoption will require sustained commitment and a long-term focus on capability building.

Melanie Robinson, strategy director at Okana said: “Scotland has done something many countries are still working towards: it has moved digital information management from a niche technical requirement into a genuine public-sector priority.

“The next major opportunity lies in the buildings we already own, and getting information about existing assets into a form that estates teams can actually use with clear ownership, realistic resourcing, and the discipline to maintain records over time.

“That is what a connected digital estate means in practice, and with the foundations already in place, it is entirely achievable.”

Key findings

• £7.5 billion of public sector construction projects have been delivered using structured information management approaches
• Clear policy direction and programme requirements have been the biggest drivers of adoption
• Scotland's BIM approach compares well with international best practice
• The greatest opportunity for future benefits lies in the operation and management of assets
• Information management practices are established but need to be applied more consistently across the full asset lifecycle
• Early connected digital estate projects demonstrate significant potential, but wider adoption will require investment, leadership and organisational capability