Khuc, T Q; Nguyen, V T and Do, S T (2026) Barriers to the adoption of blockchain technology in the construction industry: A total interpretive structural modeling (t ISM) and demat el approach. Construction Innovation, 26(1), pp. 260-285. ISSN 1471-4175
Abstract
Purpose – The purpose of this study is to identify the key barriers to the adoption of blockchain technology (BCT) in the construction industry. This investigation seeks to understand the challenges that hinder the implementation of blockchain in this sector. Design/methodology/approach – The study begins with a comprehensive review of relevant literature to identify the main barriers to blockchain adoption in construction. It then uses an integrated approach using total interpretive structural modeling (TISM) and Matrice d'Impacts Croisés Multiplication Appliquée à un Classement to investigate the interrelationships among these barriers. In addition, the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) method is used to establish cause-and-effect relationships between the identified barriers. Findings – The study's integrated TISM and DEMATEL methodology reveals several crucial barriers to blockchain adoption in the construction industry, including regulatory uncertainty, data privacy and security concerns, limited knowledge and expertise and dependence on blockchain operators. It also identifies scalability issues, uncertain benefits and lack of collaboration as dependent barriers, influenced by other identified barriers. Originality/value – This study contributes original value by applying an integrated methodological approach to understand the complex interrelationships and dependencies among barriers to blockchain adoption in the construction industry. The findings provide decision-makers with insights to prioritize and effectively manage the key driving barriers, enhancing the understanding and strategic planning for blockchain implementation in this sector.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | adoption barriers; blockchain technology; construction industry; DEMATEL; TISM |
| Index terms: | collaboration, investigation, decision-making, methodology, laboratory, implementation, integrated approach, interpretive structural modelling, construction industry, privacy, blockchain, strategic planning |
| Subjects: | management, research management, data collection methods, computing systems, industry analysis, research methods, data analysis and analytics, professional ethics, contractual arrangements, decision analysis |
| Topics: | Business Strategy, Procurement, Legal Issues, Organizational Design, Research Practice, Risk Management, Digital Applications |
| 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