Wu, H; Zhong, W; Zhong, B; Li, H; Guo, J and Mehmood, I (2025) Barrier identification, analysis and solutions of blockchain adoption in construction: A fuzzy DEMATEL and TOE integrated method. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 32(1), pp. 409-426. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
Purpose: Blockchain has the potential to facilitate a paradigm shift in the construction industry toward effectiveness, transparency and collaboration. However, there is currently a paucity of empirical evidence from real-world construction projects. This study aims to systematically review blockchain adoption barriers, investigate critical ones and propose corresponding solutions. Design/methodology/approach: An integrated method was adopted in this research based on the technology–organization–environment (TOE) theory and fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) approach. Blockchain adoption barriers were first presented using the TOE framework. Then, key barriers were identified based on the importance and causality analysis in the fuzzy DEMATEL. Several suggestions were proposed to facilitate blockchain diffusion from the standpoints of the government, the industry and construction organizations. Findings: The results highlighted seven key barriers. Specifically, the construction industry is more concerned with environmental barriers, such as policy uncertainties (E2) and technology maturity (E3), while most technical barriers are causal factors, such as "interoperability (T4)" and "smart contracts' security (T2)". Practical implications: This study contributes to a better understanding of the problem associated with blockchain implementation and provides policymakers with recommendations. Originality/value: Identified TOE barriers lay the groundwork for theoretical observations to comprehend the blockchain adoption problem. This research also applied the fuzzy method to blockchain adoption barrier analysis, which can reduce the uncertainty and subjectivity in expert evaluations with a small sample.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | barrier; blockchain adoption; construction industry; fuzzy DEMATEL; TOE |
| Index terms: | construction organization, paradigm, effectiveness, smart contract, implementation, construction industry, interoperability, transparency, blockchain, laboratory, evaluation, subjectivity, construction project, collaboration, decision-making, methodology, evidence, fuzzy method |
| Subjects: | digital technology, contractual arrangements, organization, evaluation and assessment methods, human factors and perception, research management, research methods, production management, data analysis and analytics, computing systems, decision analysis, systems and processes, industry analysis, performance management, education and knowledge transfer, management, professional development |
| Topics: | Quality Management, Procurement, Risk Management, Project Management, Organizational Design, Digital Applications, Research Practice, Information Management, Business Strategy |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTA |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here