Ameyaw, E. E.; Agyekum-Mensah, G.; Kumar, B. and Edwards, D. J. (2026) Understanding barriers to the adoption of blockchain-enabled smart contracts in construction projects: Perspectives of construction practitioners. Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, 15(2), pp. 597-621. ISSN 2046-6099
Abstract
Purpose – Traditional paper-based contracts are document-intensive, insecure, susceptible to forgery and errors, detrimental to productivity improvement and require multiple intermediaries. Addressing these challenges requires computerised construction to modernise the way modern construction projects are procured with blockchain-enabled smart contracts. Smart contracts could replace paper-based contracts by improving transparency and security and automating contractual terms, processes and transacting activities. However, smart contracts are an emerging technology with limited adoption in construction projects, and the issues influencing its widespread adoption remain unclear and unexplored. Hence, this study aims at exploring and understanding the important obstacles to adoption of smart contracts in construction projects. Design/methodology/approach – Using an international questionnaire survey, the study draws on experienced construction practitioners with direct involvement and knowledge in blockchain technology and smart contract initiatives and activities. Descriptive statistics and fuzzy logic techniques were used to analyse and model the quantitative survey data to establish the critical barriers to smart contracts adoption. Findings – Organisational and external characteristics, personal characteristics and technology characteristics constitute major obstacles to the successful adoption of smart contracts. Construction practitioners' limited knowledge of smart contracts, resistance to technology change, insufficiently digitalised construction industry and lack of or weak governmental support are critical to smart contracts adoption. Originality/value – The research contributes to the body of knowledge on diffusing cutting-edge technology by advancing the understanding of practitioners' perspectives on the primary obstacles to smart contracts adoption. Understanding the obstacles provides industry stakeholders (policymakers, leaders and practitioners) with underpinning knowledge with which to develop and implement corrective actions.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | blockchain; construction projects; fuzzy logic; fuzzy set theory; smart contracts |
| Index terms: | construction practitioner, productivity, methodology, fuzzy logic, survey, transparency, intermediary, statistics, blockchain, construction project, practitioner, questionnaire, emerging technology, contractual term, smart contract, body of knowledge, fuzzy set theory, construction industry |
| Subjects: | computing systems, decision-making and optimization, innovation and technology management, production management, practitioner, professional development, contract structure, business, knowledge management, data collection methods, digital technology, research methods, data science, management, industry analysis, mathematical modelling |
| Topics: | Project Management, Research Practice, Digital Applications, Roles and Professions, Information Management, Contract Administration, Business Strategy |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
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