Challenging the status quo: critical barriers to integrated project delivery implementation in Iran

Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) is a relatively new delivery model that integrates design and construction, offering significant advantages over traditional approaches by addressing fragmentation issues. However, like other innovative advancements in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry, IPD implementation faces various challenges and barriers. This research aims to uncover and analyze IPD implementation barriers in Iran’s AEC industry. To this end, after identifying barriers through a literature review, they were ranked through a Delphi questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed and categorized using the factor analysis method into ‘Poor Communication,’ ‘Technological Deficiencies,’ ‘Contractual Ambiguities,’ ‘Lack of Transparent Profit-Sharing,’ ‘Ineffective Cost Management,’ and ‘Deficient Planning.’ The findings show that ‘Poor Communication’ and ‘Technological Deficiencies’ are the most critical categories associated with IPD implementation challenges in Iran. This research contributes to the body of knowledge by highlighting the key areas where IPD implementation faces obstacles in resource-constrained or high-risk environments, enabling practitioners and policymakers to take initiatives to facilitate the process.