The RavaBIM 2026 seminar drew a strong on-site and online audience to learn about and discuss the transition from PDF-based building permitting to a data-driven system.

In Finland, you must from now on submit either a BIM model (IFC) or machine-readable design data for permitting, in addition to the 2D drawings. The legislative framework is in place, but some data-related standards and technical capabilities remain incomplete, as we learned.

The issues will eventually be solved. What determines the ultimate success of this transition is how we manage the industry’s “soft” infrastructure: skills, standards, and cooperation.

The challenge of diversity

The seminar’s excellent presentations highlighted both the challenges and opportunities of BIM-based permitting. These topics were further discussed during the RavaBIM panel, which included representatives across the value chain, from architects and clients to municipal authorities and contractors. Samu Tolvanen, whose company, Aktive Revenue Operations, organized the event, served as the moderator.

A recurring theme of the panel was the risk of regional and technical divergence. As Paula Mäenpää and Leena Salmelainen noted, Finland’s 300+ municipalities have widely varying technical capabilities. Major cities such as Helsinki or Turku may be ready to process complex IFC models, but smaller regions may struggle to support basic IT infrastructure.

The same applies to design practices. There’s a notable gap between tech-heavy pioneers designing hospitals and data centers and many small-scale practices.

Adapt or die?

Is this an “adapt or die” situation for companies that have been slow to digitalize their operations?

Sergej von Bagh, an architect, noted that modeling for permissions should not be a competitive issue but a basic capability for every firm. Education is therefore a key concern for the Association of Finnish Architects’ Offices, of which he is a co-chair.

Mika Korhola, another designer, noted that investing in technology and new skills increases costs for home designers. Leena Salmelainen expressed similar concerns about small municipalities. Sanna Syrjänen further noted that supervisors on small construction sites will face skill challenges when working with models.

The panelists agreed on the value of BIM-based processes for large projects. Von Bagh added, however, that projects of any size become more efficient with BIM if “your routines are in place.” For example, he modeled a small building over the weekend and received approval within one week.

The “carrot” strategy: Speed as the ultimate incentive

Jani Kemppainen highlighted a fundamental truth: for developers and contractors, time is the most valuable currency. If the digital transition is seen only as an additional cost or a technical burden, it will face resistance. The most effective way to implement this change is to link data quality directly to processing speed. We should advocate for a “Digital Fast Track.”

If an applicant submits a high-quality, machine-readable BIM model that enables automated compliance checks, the permit should be issued significantly faster. When “BIM-ready” equals “Building-ready” in half the time, the market will naturally gravitate toward digital excellence.

Mikko Somersalmi reminded the industry that choosing a digital permit path is not a one-time event; it commits the owner to maintaining that data throughout the project’s lifecycle, eventually requiring submission of an “as-built” model at the final inspection.

Obtaining a useful model for property and facilities management is another incentive for owners to require the use of BIM in permitting.

Embracing “incompleteness” and iteration

One of the most profound takeaways from the panel was the need for a “tolerance for incompleteness.” The technology is ready, but our processes are still maturing.

In the early stages of this transition, we should adopt the “Pilot Clinic” model, which has been successfully used in other Nordic countries. Rather than a pass/fail legal gate, the permit process should begin with a digital pre-consultation. This allows designers to test their models against municipal systems in a low-stakes environment.

By identifying data mismatches early, before the formal application is “locked,” we reduce the friction that often causes project delays and legal disputes.

The momentum for change is here

As we move deeper into 2026, the “wait-and-see” approach is no longer viable. The panelists agreed that, while the start might be “bumpy,” the long-term benefits for productivity and sustainability are undeniable.

BIM permitting is not an isolated process or phenomenon. It will provide data to RYHTI, a national information system that integrates land-use and construction data from municipalities and government authorities. At the same time, Finnish initiatives are underway to standardize product data management in construction.

All these paths lead to a future in which decisions are made and operations run on reliable, accurate, and timely data from the built environment. This transition creates new opportunities for innovative companies, large or small, to gain a competitive edge.