Algebra and the Centre for Digital Built Croatia (CDI) have signed a strategic partnership agreement aimed at accelerating digitalisation in the construction sector by supporting the development of key digital competencies and enhancing the competitiveness of Croatian construction companies in both domestic and international markets.
Currently, the construction and architectural industries face a significant shortage of BIM (Building Information Modelling) specialists.
BIM technology plays a crucial role in modern design and project management, enabling better coordination, greater precision, and more efficient planning throughout all project phases — from initial design through to construction and facility management.
The lack of qualified BIM professionals leads to project delays, higher costs, and challenges in integrating modern digital technologies into construction practice. This issue is partly due to limited educational programmes focused on BIM technology, but also the rapid evolution of these tools and the growing need for expertise in areas such as data analysis and resource optimisation.
To address these challenges, greater investment in educational programmes is required to provide both practical and theoretical knowledge of BIM tools and processes.
In response to this need, Algebra recently launched a dedicated BIM programme, which is co-financed by HZZ (Croatian Employment Service) vouchers. Using tools like Autodesk Revit, participants learn how to apply BIM concepts and develop models suitable for creating architectural design documentation. In addition to modelling, participants are trained in drafting, producing 2D documentation, generating specifications, and calculating areas and quantities of building materials.
Once familiar with basic functions, participants progress to advanced topics such as design alternatives, construction phasing, view filters, and 3D visualisation of BIM models.
“Through this strategic collaboration with Algebra, we aim to accelerate the digitalisation process in the construction industry, with a focus on enhancing knowledge and skills related to digital technologies. Our shared goal is to provide strong support for industry professionals and increase the competitiveness of Croatian construction companies.”
Monika Mlakić, President of the Centre for Digital Built Croatia
As part of the partnership, Algebra and CDI will collaborate across multiple areas, with one of the key objectives being the promotion of BIM education, which is essential for the modernisation of the construction sector. The aim is to offer professionals and companies additional educational opportunities through vouchers and customised programmes tailored to the competencies required for BIM specialists.
“The Centre for Digital Built Croatia is an ideal partner for us as we share the mission of driving the digital transformation of the construction industry. Though relatively young, the Centre has already attracted significant interest through numerous professional events and conferences — clear evidence of the industry’s need for digital solutions. Promoting BIM educational programmes will help grow a highly skilled workforce capable of meeting the demands of the modern industry and accelerating the transition to more sustainable, precise, and efficient construction methods.”
Mislav Balković, Rector of Algebra University
One of the first key milestones in this partnership will be the upcoming DigiDeck24 conference on digital technologies in construction, taking place on November 14 at the Mozaik Event Centre in Zagreb, where the partnership will be officially presented to the public.
Through this collaboration, Algebra and CDI reaffirm their commitment to jointly developing programmes that promote the digitalisation of the construction sector and their readiness to support new initiatives aimed at building an educated, competitive, and future-ready workforce.
