Modeling Digital Intention in Emerging Economies: A Comparative Discussion of TAM vs. UTAUT for Assessing BIM and AEC IT Adoption in Developing Countries (2020–2025)

Abstract

The global architectural, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry is undergoing a profound digital transformation driven by the adoption of Building Information Modelling (BIM). However, the actual uptake in emerging economies remains constrained by a confluence of unique socio-economic and infrastructural challenges. This paper critically evaluates technology acceptance theories from 2020–2025, addressing the methodological debate between the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). Utilising a Systematic Comparative Review (SCR), the study identifies an "explanatory ceiling" in TAM when applied to organisational settings. Consequently, the research establishes a methodological imperative for UTAUT, which formalises Social Influence (SI) and Facilitating Conditions (FC) to better model the professional hierarchies and fragmented infrastructures of developing nations. By strategically focusing on Behavioural Intention (BI) and omitting 'Actual Use' (AU), the study provides a robust, context-sensitive roadmap for digital innovation in resource-scarce environments