In 2013 Regional Innovation Management Centre together with UAB “AGA CAD” has initiated the project BIM Train, which main goal – to promote the use of Building information modeling (BIM) technology in the Baltic States, creating preconditions for the satisfying the demand for relevant skills, knowledge and tools related to BIM in the market.

BIM is the process of generating and managing building data during its life cycle, including the processes of construction and facility operation. Typically BIM uses three-dimensional, real-time, dynamic building modeling software combined with well-defined process methodology in order to increase productivity in building design and construction. It significantly expands the possibilities for use of ICT in construction sector. The BIMTrain project came up from the situation when most architects/engineers in Lithuania and Latvia (as well as in other Western European countries (The Business Value of BIM in Europe, 2010)) make design drawings by using 2D computer-aided design (i.e., drawings and specifications) as the primary means to represent and communicate design intent for client approval, bidding, procurement, fabrication, construction and installation. On the other side BIM system is the most innovative design process that uses not only 3D design possibilities, but also 4D (=time, i.e. project lifecycle) and 5D (=money, i.e. how much will cost maintenance of a build object during any lifecycle period).

The main BIMTrain product – web-based BIM training platform, with huge library of relevant training materials (methodological documentation, video files, 3D objects and etc.). The product is based on the product www.smartrevit.com, developed by the Dutch company Itannex.

BIM Train project if funded by the EU from the Leonardo da Vinci programme. The partnership covers 7 partners form 3 countries. The project consortium was formed in order to reach a balance between various stakeholders covering all the relevant experience and sectors:

• Itannex (the Netherlands), UAB AGA CAD (Lithuania), SIA AGA (Latvia) – represents private sector and are experienced organizations both in providing specialised trainings, and in development various programming solutions for this target group, including BIM;
• Regional Innovation Management Centre (Lithuania), project coordinator, represents NGO sector, which experts have huge experience in project management, EU project management, innovation transfer, educational sector and qualification analysis.
• Vilnius Builders Training Centre (Lithuania), Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (Lithuania), Riga Technical University (Latvia) represents educational organizations, responsible for educating architects, engineers, construction workers (main users of the BIM) and would be very important multipliers of the BIMTRAIN tool to the whole educational system.

The project will be finished in 2015.