Digital transformation of the Russian construction industry

Abstract

Construction is an impactful industry and like everything impactful, it has to evolve with the needs and demands of the modern day consumers. The article is devoted to the analysis of the current state and prospects of development of digital technologies in construction. The fundamental concepts of digital economy, digital production and digital technologies are introduced; a peculiar “evolution” of the design process in construction is described (transition from so-called “paper-based” technologies to computer aided design systems and further to information modeling of construction objects). Construction technologies solutions and apps for the construction industry have significant growth potential, and we can nurture a cohort of new digital technology firms by supporting the development of connections with the construction industry, the broader IT sector, incubators and sources of capital. However, the largest scale impact is likely to be realised through effective implementation of BIM with the support of digital technology. Among the very topical issues raised in the article we should also highlight BIM - a fundamentally new approach in architectural and construction design, which includes creation of a computer model of a new building (structure), which carries all the information about the future of the object and is an instrument of control over its life cycle. Given the rapid pace at which new technologies and innovations are being developed, the specialization in Digital Technologies in Construction prepares graduates for the imminent, exciting and necessary, wide-scale digital transformation of the construction industry. Courses include Digital Technologies for Civil Engineering, BIM and 5D Planning, Technology and Innovation in Road Construction, Simulation and Optimization of Construction Processes and Construction Supply Chains and Digitization.