The Estonian Digital Construction Cluster is a volunteer-based, non-profit organisation creating information and communication technologies for the construction sector, including virtual design, construction and management products and an e-construction portal. The aim is to support the uptake of smart construction solutions, to digitalise and automate processes in the sector.
- 29 January 2020
During our work in the past four years, we realised that collaboration is the weakest link in our value chain in various fields. We supported and facilitated cooperation between companies, hosted international companies and organisations engaged in innovation-related activities, and developed a network to make better use of international collaboration.
Further aspects of the cluster’s work involve fostering collaboration and focusing on the whole life cycle of buildings from conception to utilisation, and developing methods to reduce the industry’s resource consumption.
Cluster members include property and software developers, architects, engineers, property owners, construction material producers and educational institutions. They work with national and local authorities to change business practices and models, promote innovation and increase the global competitiveness of Estonian firms.
Boosting productivity
Estonia is noted for its adoption of digital solutions in areas like governance, elections, personal identification, healthcare and taxation. Per head, it has more IT unicorns – privately held start-ups valued at over USD 1 billion – than any other country.
In construction, digitalisation can generate data that optimise work processes by providing a clear view of the implications of different choices regarding factors like cost and environmental impact. While the sector has so far derived little benefit from digital advances, rapid uptake of electronic methods is vital to boost productivity. This is the biggest challenge the industry faces, according to researchers at the University of Tartu.
Examples of the cluster’s digitalisation work include involvement in updating digital data requirements, helping ensure the user-friendliness of new technologies and application of data in the operational phase of a building’s life cycle, based on experience from pilot projects. It has identified bottlenecks in construction processes and ways of eliminating them.
The cluster has also performed research into building information modelling (BIM). BIM generates 3D models of buildings to allow for better planning, design, construction and management. A notable BIM development from the cluster is the creation of an Estonian localisation tool for use with Revit, an engineering design and modelling software. Launched by cluster partner, AruCAD Süsteemid, the tool helps architects and engineers adapt BIM methods and work more efficiently with constructors.
A broader view
The Estonian Digital Construction Cluster recognises that construction is a collective activity. Its efforts to foster collaboration lead its members to take more account of other groups in the industry and, indeed, of everyone living in the built environment. As a result, decision-making in areas like architecture and materials improves and innovation and efficiency are enhanced, leading to high-quality, value-for-money buildings.
As well as bringing together partners from Estonia, these efforts encompass network development and sharing of good practices with colleagues elsewhere in Europe and worldwide, from countries including China, Singapore and the USA.
Total investment and EU funding
Total investment for the project “Estonian Digital Construction Cluster” is EUR 863 505, with the EU’s European Regional Development Fund contributing EUR 303 000 through the “Cohesion Policy Funding” Operational Programme for the 2014-2020 programming period. The investment falls under the priority “Competitiveness of SMEs”.