Conclusions

The mainly paper-based IS of the BC industry is not able to provide the information and knowledge sharing capability requested.

Also current first generation ICT support fails. Classification and Specification systems are widely accepted in the market, but do not offer enough information richness to adequately support information sharing in BC.

The next generation instruments should promote transparent ways of storing information; provide for re-use of information and knowledge; support co-operation between applications; and have improved market acceptance.

Some of the principles explored by the research on reference modelling might be worthwhile exploring.