Digitization in construction as a key segment for improving the productivity and efficiency of companies is slowly but surely beginning to penetrate, transforming certain business processes in this sector, which differs from other sectors in its specificity. The initiatives of the Chambers of Slovenia, Croatia and Macedonia to encourage digitization in companies from the construction and building materials sector were the main incentive for the realization of the activities within the project "Digital transformation breaks through to businesses - development of key performance indicators for increasing productivity" of the sector – DIG-IN-KPI”. Within the framework of this project, key performance indicators were developed in the past period, which, systematized in a digital tool, will offer directions and concrete solutions for accelerating the digital transformation in companies as a driver for operational excellence.

The upcoming 33^rd International construction fair "MEGRA" in Gornja Radgona, Slovenia, which will take place from 17-19^th April 2024, will be one of the venues for the official presentation of the DIG-IN-KPI AAT tool. The event on 18^th April will offer an opportunity to demonstrate the tool to construction companies from North Macedonia, Slovenia, Croatia and other countries from the Balkans and the EU, promoting its use and discussion on the data generated. The presence of international experts will add value by sharing practical experience and advice from Ireland and from a local construction company, including a winner of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia Award (for outstanding economic and entrepreneurial achievements). The event aims to accelerate and enable a successful digital transformation of the construction industry in the Balkans, to which both educational institutions and the organisation will contribute as facilitators of good practice and co-creators of development opportunities, but most importantly, of course, the companies themselves with their own strategy for realising digital transformation.    

This event will be of interest to adult and further vocational educators working in the construction sector who want to update their knowledge with the latest digital tools and practices. At the event, we will present the DIG-IN-KPI AAT tool, which automates the process of assessing the digital maturity of construction companies. This tool not only represents a key step towards greater digital integration in the construction industry, but also offers educators a unique introduction to, or insight into, the use of digital technologies and methodologies that are key to the modern construction industry. After the event, educators will have a better understanding of how digital tools and the digital maturity of a company in general influence the development of construction projects and the optimisation of business processes. They will gain knowledge about the latest digital trends in construction that they can pass on to their students, thus improving the quality of education and gaining insight into the experiences of two companies, one domestic and one foreign, on how they have embarked on the digital transformation process and how the rest of the sector will have to adapt to global modern trends. The event will also provide an opportunity to exchange views and experiences with international experts, including representatives from advanced Ireland, where the use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) has become mandatory and will be introduced in Slovenia in early 2025. This will allow participants to broaden their understanding of global trends in the digitisation of construction and how to apply these trends in the education process.

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