Mohandes, S. R.; Singh, A. K.; Ibrahim, A.; Ma, N.; Kineber, A. F. and Shakor, P. (2026) Pioneering digital transformation: Unveiling the blockchain and digital twin technologies' synergy. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, 24(4), pp. 1076-1100. ISSN 1726-0531
Abstract
Purpose – This study aims to explore the combined adoption of Blockchain and Digital Twin (DT) technologies in the construction industry, addressing a notable research gap where these technologies have primarily been studied in isolation. This study aims to identify and analyze the key factors influencing joint adoption, by capturing their intricate relationships under an integrated environment. Design/methodology/approach – A systematic research methodology is adopted, which includes a systematic literature review to identify preliminary influencing factors. Subsequently, a fuzzy DEMATEL approach is used to model the interrelationships among 14 identified factors across financial, technological, design, regulatory and communication dimensions. Cause–effect diagrams are developed to understand the underlying structure of influence, followed by the compilation of strategies. Findings – The analysis reveals 14 critical factors impacting the integrated use of Blockchain and DT technologies, with several sub-factors exhibiting strong cause-and-effect relationships. This study highlights the importance of technological readiness, regulatory clarity, financial feasibility and inter-organizational collaboration in successful adoption. The framework developed assists stakeholders in overcoming key challenges and enables efficient resource allocation for digital transformation initiatives. Research limitations/implications – This study is limited by its reliance on literature-derived factors and expert-based fuzzy DEMATEL evaluations, which may introduce subjectivity. However, the results of this study provide a structured and actionable framework that assists policymakers, industry practitioners and project managers in prioritizing key factors, mitigating adoption barriers and formulating targeted strategies to accelerate digital transformation across the construction sector. Originality/value – To the best of the authors' knowledge, this paper is among the first to systematically examine the interplay between Blockchain and DT technologies in the construction sector using a fuzzy DEMATEL approach. Bridging a significant research gap provides novel insights and a practical framework that supports industry stakeholders in embracing digital solutions more effectively and sustainably.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | blockchain; digital twins; fuzzy sets; industry 4.0 |
| Index terms: | synergy, transformation, industry 4.0, project manager, construction sector, methodology, digital twin, collaboration, fuzzy set, subjectivity, resource allocation, prioritizing, blockchain, construction industry, systematic literature review, dimension, research methodology, critical factor, influencing factor, strategy, practitioner |
| Subjects: | human factors and perception, technology adoption, computing systems, research evaluation and metrics, resource management, industry analysis, management, risk assessment, health monitoring assessment and metrics, digital engineering, profession, decision analysis, decision-making and optimization, partnership management, practitioner, business, research methods, research design and methodology |
| Topics: | Digital Applications, Site Management, Risk Management, Roles and Professions, Health and Safety, Organizational Design, Research Practice, Business Strategy, Stakeholder Management |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTE |
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