Implementation of Digital Tools in the Construction Sector in Somalia

Abstract: The implementation of digital tools, such as building information modeling (BIM) in lowand middle income countries’ (LMIC) infrastructure projects has increased in interest. LMICsuch as Somalia are in need of new road construction and improved infrastructure. The purpose of this thesis study is to explore perceived challenges of implementing digital tools in the construction sector in LMIC. To provide a more detailed and in-depth insight, the thesis study has been performed through an interview study in Somalia. Since the interest is in perceptions and experiences about the implementation of digital tools, a qualitative method was chosen. Respondents were selected from the construction sector that has been interviewed about their experiences of the implementation of digital tools. The study has used Kotter's 8-step process for change as an analytical framework to analyze and discuss the empirical findings.  The results show that the most critical challenges to implementing digital tools in a LMIC ssuch as Somalia are:- lack of financial resources for investing in digital tools on large infrastructure projects- lack of overall experience and competence in the use of digital tools- lack of regulations for digital tools from the public client The study suggests the public client, who in this case is the Ministry of Public Works and Reconstruction and Housing (MPWR) that are responsible for the laws and regulations in the Somalian construction sector to take these critical challenges into consideration. The public client has the overall responsibility and influence over the construction of the infrastructure and in order to increase the implementation of digital tools in the future, it is necessary that the public client establishes follow-ups and evaluations.