To quantitatively assess the contribution of a coopetition network in enhancing BIM dimensions, the Coopetition Experimental Pilot Network (CEPN) is implemented through the following sequential steps:
Selection of Participants: Identify and select SMEs that meet specific criteria for participation.
Network Formation and Metrics: Integrate the IIoT to connect the selected SMEs to facilitate real-time data collection and analysis.
Establish the coopetition network by integrating IIoT to connect the participating SMEs, focusing on collaboration and resource sharing, and defining relevant metrics and KPIs.
Data Collection: Gather data on KPIs related to BIM dimensions, such as time response, cost efficiency, and carbon reduction.
This structured methodology provides a systematic approach to exploring the effects of coopetition networks on the construction industry SMEs, offering insights on how construction industry providers can contribute positively to improving the BIM dimensions.
4.1. Selection of Participants
The OS-PT sector, a cornerstone of Portugal’s rich cultural heritage and forward-looking innovation, has significantly contributed to iconic stone monuments worldwide since the 15th century [
33]. Leveraging Portuguese stone, engineering prowess, and generations of accumulated expertise, the OS-PT sector is deeply woven into the fabric of the nation’s identity. As the 21st century progresses, Portugal has solidified its position as a leading producer of stone products, skillfully integrated into the global construction industry, a testament to its competitive edge on the international stage despite the country’s modest geographic footprint [
34].
Portugal’s ornamental stone industry, characterized by its vast and varied stone reserves, plays a crucial role in the global market. The shift towards digital collaborative efforts with customers and architects worldwide underscores a dynamic evolution; the sector’s traditional strengths are being purposed through innovation [
35]. This emerging digital engagement, though still developing, is pinpointed as a critical growth avenue for Portuguese stone providers.
According to the Portuguese Stone Federation (2022), the OS-PT sector exports to 116 countries, ranks as the ninth most significant player in the World International Stone Trade and secures the second position globally regarding international trade per capita. With exports outstripping imports by 660% and a significant share of exports reaching markets outside Europe, the industry boasts a turnover of €1.230 million. It supports over 16,600 direct jobs, making it a critical employment source, particularly in inland regions [
34].
According to some authors [
36], OS-PT companies can enhance their global competitiveness and sustainability by integrating digital technologies into their processes, ensuring their rich heritage continues contributing to contemporary architectural and construction projects worldwide [
37].
However, this requires construction industry providers to respond positively to BIM dimensions, specifically regarding time response, price, and carbon reduction [
34]. Due to their limited financial capacity as SMEs [
38], achieving these goals is only possible through collaboration [
39].
A cooperation network can be the solution here, though it requires a concrete evaluation of its response to BIM dimensions.
The strategic implementation of the CEPN began by establishing direct and informal communication channels with the managing directors of potential participant companies, who were then formally invited to participate in the study. A comprehensive confidentiality agreement was drafted to protect sensitive information regarding the companies’ operations, clientele, employees, resources, and competitors.
The selection process involved an initial assessment of current best practices (CB.P) and a data collection phase after implementing the CEPN among OS-PT SMEs engaged in coopetition network practices (CN.P).
The project’s oversight has been enforced to maintain data integrity and confidentiality. It was achieved through direct, daily monitoring and recording of quantitative data using digital machinery and databases, safeguarding the accuracy and privacy of the collected data. The process began with a baseline assessment of CB.P within the participating SMEs, then systematically capturing the change dynamics under CN.P and documenting their immediate impacts.
4.2. Coopetition Network Formation and Metrics
The emergence of the IoT marks a transformative era, significantly influencing ecosystems through sophisticated sensor technologies that enhance connectivity and data exchange [
40]. Building on traditional IoT frameworks, IIoT introduces intelligence to industrial settings, facilitating direct device-to-device communication and supporting the creation of intelligent artefacts that dynamically adapt to user interactions and enhance value co-creation [
41]. Empirical evidence highlights the transformative potential of IIoT-based innovations in fostering novel service offerings such as remote control and predictive maintenance solutions [
42]. These capabilities advance operational Efficiency and open new avenues for value co-creation within coopetition frameworks, expanding service portfolios and enhancing enterprises’ competitive and cooperative capacities [
43].
An example in the OS-PT sector is an IIoT artefact, developed through the Inovstone4.0 R&D Project (Silva, Rabadão et al., 2020). This IIoT system has transformed the connectivity of ornamental stone processing SMEs with the digital market, notably through its ‘fingerprint4.0’ functionality (Silva, Gil, et al., 2020), which refines product specifications and promotes value co-creation between providers and customers, improving customization and operational productivity [45].
Cockpit4.0 epitomizes the IIoT’s capacity to redefine market dynamics through direct engagement and collaborative efforts. As a state-of-the-art system, it is an excellent starting point for transforming the operational technology that facilitates competition in the Experimental Pilot Network. It is a dynamic enabler of cyber value propositions, enhancing service delivery and operational competitiveness among SMEs [46].
To further harness this potential, new functionalities were added to Cockpit4.0, enabling secure connections between competing firms. A more advanced version, Cockpit4.0+, was developed as part of this research. This new IIoT artefact was specifically created to connect rival SMEs within the OS-PT sector in a coopetition network. This enhancement advances technological capabilities and fosters a collaborative industrial environment conducive to shared innovation and strategic growth involving the shop floor.
Embedding OPC-UA protocols [
41], Cockpit4.0+ bridges gaps in connectivity, Efficiency, and responsiveness, fostering an ecosystem where SMEs thrive through collective innovation and adaptive strategies. Cockpit4.0+ integrates technological innovations like artificial intelligence to promote a collaborative industrial environment, ensuring sustainable operations and maintaining SMEs’ competitiveness in a dynamic market.
Once the Cockpit4.0+ prototype was developed, the implementation of the coopetition network formation began. To this end, three selected companies, recognized as leaders in the Portuguese stone sector, were formally connected (
Figure 1). All their machines are connected to the ERP system, which connects to BIM architects’ stations. This setup represents the OS-PT sector’s CB.P. A comprehensive confidentiality agreement was drafted to protect sensitive information regarding the companies’ operations, clientele, employees, resources, and competitors.
The 4D BIM dimension, which integrates the crucial aspect of time, represents a significant advancement in project management and coordination within the construction industry [
11]. By making the project timeline accessible and comprehensible to all stakeholders, 4D BIM promotes transparency, accountability, and more effective communication [47]. To effectively respond to the 4D BIM dimension, construction industry fabricators must enhance their scheduling, coordination, and productivity processes.
The On-Time Delivery (KPI
OtD) evaluates the stone fabricators’ responses to 4D BIM requirements, reflecting their ability to meet project deadlines consistently (Equation (1)). In the CEPN, the KPI
OtD measures the percentage of stone parts delivered within the agreed timeframe reflecting operational Efficiency and reliability of the OS-PT SMEs. Improvements in KPI
OtD directly enhance the effectiveness of 4D BIM by ensuring timely project execution and adherence to schedules.
In the CEPN, the KPIOtD measures the percentage of stone parts delivered within the agreed timeframe, reflecting the operational Efficiency and reliability of the OS-PT SMEs. Improvements in KPIOtD directly enhance the effectiveness of 4D BIM by ensuring timely project execution and adherence to schedules.
The 5D BIM dimension integrates cost data with the 3D model, enabling comprehensive budget and financial management throughout the project lifecycle [
19]. This integration helps optimize resources, including labour, for cost efficiency and project success. The KPI - Labor Productivity (KPI
LP) measures the number of parts or tasks a worker completes within a specified timeframe, indicating the Efficiency of labour use. By focusing on labour productivity improvements, fabricators can ensure they are meeting the demands of 5D BIM (Equation (2)). By using KPI
LP in the CEPN, fabricators can monitor and enhance labour efficiency, ensuring that they align with the cost management goals inherent in the 5D BIM dimension. This focus on productivity supports budget adherence and contributes to overall project success.
The 6D BIM dimension focuses on sustainability by incorporating environmental data into the BIM model to manage and reduce the ecological footprint of construction projects [
21]. This integration helps assess and optimize the environmental impact of building materials, construction processes, and the overall project lifecycle.
The CO2 Equivalent (CO2-eq) factor converts the energy consumed into equivalent carbon dioxide emissions, providing a standardized measure of environmental impact. According to the European Electricity Review (2023), the carbon intensity of electricity in Europe varies significantly among different EU member states due to the diverse energy mixes. For example, countries like Sweden and France have much lower carbon intensities (below 50 g CO₂/kWh) because of their heavy reliance on nuclear and renewable energy sources [48]. On the other hand, countries like Poland and Estonia have higher carbon intensities (over 600 g CO₂/kWh) due to their dependence on coal and other fossil fuels. As of 2022, the average carbon intensity of electricity generation in the EU was around 276 grams of CO₂ per kilowatt-hour (g CO₂/kWh).
By evaluating carbon emissions about the number of parts produced, companies can identify inefficient production processes that lead to higher energy use and emissions. Tracking the KPI for CO2 Equivalent (KPI
CO2-Eq) over time helps companies set benchmarks for sustainability performance, identify trends, and implement improvements to reduce their carbon footprint (Equation (3)).
In the CEPN, KPICO2-eq measures the amount of CO2 emissions associated with the production of each stone part, indicating the project’s environmental Efficiency. Reductions in KPICO2-eq directly impact the construction industry’s contributions to SDGs, particularly SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, by promoting environmentally responsible practices and reducing urban carbon footprints.
4.3. Data Collection
This study employed a data collection strategy across two fifty-four-day intervals to explore the transition from CB.P to CN.P enhanced by the CEPN, enabling a robust comparative analysis of operational outcomes.
Phase 1 - CB.P: The first interval, which concluded on June 10th, 2023, focused on capturing standard operations at three anonymized companies, designated as “A,” “B,” and “C.” This baseline phase documented each company’s reliance on internal resources for production and delivery, providing essential reference data for subsequent comparisons.
Phase 2 - CN.P: The second interval, which concluded on November 14th, 2023, assessed the effects of integrating these entities into a CEPN-enhanced coopetition-based network. This phase represented a significant shift by fostering coopetition interactions and shared use of technologies and resources, moving beyond standard practices.
Data management and privacy were maintained throughout the study in compliance with confidentiality agreements. All data were anonymized and referred to only by company labels. Data collection, recording, and exportation procedures were meticulously followed, with results exported to Excel files as detailed in the methodology section. It ensured a secure and consistent approach to data handling, enabling detailed analysis while safeguarding the privacy and proprietary information of the participating companies. This structured methodology facilitated a direct comparison of operational outcomes and upheld the integrity and confidentiality of the data throughout the research process.