Beyond Mandatory: Assessing the Impact of Building Information Modeling (BIM) on Cost Efficiency and Quality in Italian Public Procurement Projects

Abstract Purpose: This study provides an overview of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and its mandated implementation in the Italian construction sector from 2019, focusing on how this requirement has impacted cost management efficiency and design quality in public procurement projects. The primary research question explores the influence of BIM's mandatory introduction on these aspects, shedding light on its effectiveness in enhancing project outcomes. Methodology: Our research employs a multiple regression analysis to examine the impact of BIM adoption on cost management efficiency, with a particular emphasis on investments in design and safety. This methodological approach allows for a detailed examination of how BIM contributes to optimizing resource allocation and project execution, providing quantitative evidence of its benefits in the public construction sector. Results: The findings reveal a significant positive impact of BIM on improving both the quality and safety of projects, as indicated by the investments in design and safety. Moreover, an analysis of expenditures on supplies and services demonstrates BIM's role in resource optimization, with a high R-squared value illustrating a strong correlation between the considered variables and the total project costs. These results underscore BIM's substantial contribution to project cost predictability and manageability. Research limitations: This study has limitations primarily due to its focus on Italian public procurement projects, potentially limiting the generalizability of the findings to different international contexts. Additionally, while the use of multiple regression analysis is effective in identifying correlations, it does not establish direct causal relationships. External factors influencing project efficiency and quality may not have been fully 182 accounted for. These limitations suggest avenues for future research to explore the impact of BIM across various contexts and with methodologies that can better delineate causal dynamics. Originality: The study discusses the mandatory introduction of BIM within the context of Italian public procurement projects, reflecting on how this technological mandate has reshaped working practices and enhanced project efficiency. It further explores the long- term benefits of BIM for the construction industry, such as improvements in sustainability and operational efficiency, concluding with the critical importance of BIM in public procurement projects and suggesting directions for future research a