Collaboration between Industry and Higher Education

Over 2,000 commercial and industrial projects representing over a billion square feet of construction in the United States in federal, state, private and in other countries are in the process of incorporating building information modeling (BIM). The cost to build with BIM can be 25% more depending on the involvement in design and construction variables, including the training. Since owners see a huge benefit, they are increasingly using BIM. Therefore, university programs must update their students in this technology. This paper examines the factors that influence an owner's decision in using BIM. This includes enhancing the project's coordination, addressing conflicts that reduce change orders, improving communications, and establishing a cost budget that can be better administered. The paper will also discuss the relationship between the BIM industry and university construction programs, especially Penn State Harrisburg. This relationship results with the students becoming more aware of BIM, its transformation and the opportunities for them. PSH partnering has resulted in an excellent relationship with BIM industry and PSH construction related programs in educating its students to this rapidly changing technology.