Vitus ONSIGHT · 2026 Projection Report
The Industry at a Data Crossroads
We surveyed 82 BIM and VDC leaders across 21 European countries. The verdict: 3D modeling is standard, but true data integration remains a distant goal. Here's what's holding us back—and where we're headed.
Finding 01
The Trust Deficit
When asked to rate confidence in their project data on a scale of 1-10, the industry average landed at 6.5. Not catastrophic, but hardly reassuring for the information driving million-euro decisions. Scores span from 2 to 10—data reliability isn't purely a technical problem, it's a process problem.
Where confidence breaks down
Working with data is not standardised and therefore very complex.
Finding 02
The Fragmentation Problem
Data doesn't flow. It gets stuck between systems, teams, and phases. The pattern intensifies by organization type: 100% of client/owner respondents report design-construction friction. Those with the broadest project oversight feel the handoff pain most acutely.
Finding 03
The Human Factor
Technology is only part of the equation. Communication with non-BIM stakeholders scores a mere 3.2 out of 5. BIM's value isn't measured by how well it serves specialists, but by how well it enables everyone else.
3.2/5 Communication Score
Tools for communicating with non-BIM users rated poorly. The data exists, but stakeholders can't access or understand it.
66% Face Decision Delays
Two-thirds report project decisions delayed due to lack of reliable BIM data. Mega-projects (€500M+) show the highest delay rate at 24%.
Skills Gap Persists
37% cite "lack of internal skills" as a top barrier. Teams are tool-rich but training-poor.
Cultural Resistance
From "dinosaurs" to "people who don't want to change"—adoption isn't just a software problem, it's an organizational one.
What would you change with a magic wand?
"Dinosaurs. Less traditional working, more digital."
BIM Manager, Netherlands
"Inconsistency. People name the same thing in 500 different ways."
BIM Specialist, Sweden
"Get rid of all contractors that still work on papers."
BIM Coordinator, Ireland
"I would get rid of planners that don't practise 'model first' and get better models and data."
BIM Manager, Germany
Finding 04
The AI Reality Check
AI adoption is accelerating—two-thirds now report some form of AI in their workflows. But the most requested AI application isn't generative design—it's data validation and quality checking. Professionals want AI to handle the grunt work.
The Reality
The Dream
What's holding AI back?
Finding 05
Top Priorities for 2026
When asked about their top digital priority for the next 12 months, respondents revealed a focus on fundamentals over innovation. The message: fix the foundation before building the penthouse.
Looking Ahead
What Will Be Standard by 2027?
Respondents placed their bets on which technologies will become baseline expectations within two years. VDC leads are most optimistic about real-time sync (67%), while construction engineers strongly favor automated progress tracking (80%).
Technical Foundation
The Current Stack
3 out of 4 use Revit in their workflow. ACC leads as CDE at 60%, and Excel remains stubbornly essential—over half list spreadsheets as a critical data source. Every Excel workaround represents a gap in the digital workflow.
Common Data Environments
Critical Data Sources
Geographic Spread
A European Perspective
82 responses across 21 countries, with Nordic nations forming the core. Denmark leads participation at 34%, followed by Germany (12%) and Sweden (11%). 29% came from countries beyond the core listed nations, reflecting growing pan-European engagement.
The path forward isn't more software. It's better integration, clearer standards, and closing the human gap—one project at a time.