Critical success factors for implementing blockchain technology in construction

Abstract

In recent years, blockchain technology has attracted momentous attention in the construction industry. However, a state-of-the-art review of critical success factors (CSFs) for implementing blockchain technology in the construction industry is unexplored. In addition, there is no stage framework or a common set of CSFs for blockchain technology in the extant literature. Therefore, this review study aims to develop a stage framework and identify a common set of CSFs for successful blockchain technology implementation by analyzing published articles related to the studied domain. This review study adopted a systematic literature review and a science mapping approach to objectively identify a common set of CSFs, research gaps, and future research directions. Focusing on 78 journal articles retrieved from the Scopus database, influential journals, keywords, countries/regions, and documents in the domain of CSFs for blockchain technology in construction were analyzed. The results revealed that countries like China, USA, UK, and Australia have made the most contributions to this domain. Of the 22 CSFs, five main common sets for blockchain technology were (1) decentralized system (protocol), (2) transparency in data information for construction lifecycle processes, (3) ensuring data immutability, (4) increasing data security and reliability, and (5) providing full traceability of prefabrication. In the stage framework of CSFs for blockchain technology, some CSFs play an essential role throughout the entire construction life cycle processes (e.g., CSF#1 decentralized system and CSF#2 transparency in data information for construction life cycle processes). Four key research gaps and future research directions are proposed. They include (1) digital innovation, (2) smart contracts and information management, (3) intelligent construction, and (4) data analytics methods and techniques. Overall, the findings and checklist of CSFs for blockchain technology would be beneficial for successful exploration and practice in this field.