Drivers of blockchain technology adoption in construction supply chains: a systematic literature review and scientometric synthesis

Abstract

Purpose Blockchain technology (BT) has attracted growing attention in construction supply chain management (CSCM), yet existing research predominantly emphasises applications, technical architectures and barriers, providing limited understanding of the pressures motivating adoption. This study, therefore, systematically identifies and synthesises the drivers of BT adoption in construction supply chains (CSCs). Design/methodology/approach A systematic literature review, conducted using the Scopus database, yielded 493 records. Following screening, 145 publications were retained for scientometric analysis, with 40 subsequently selected for qualitative content analysis. Findings The findings identify five interrelated driver themes: information governance; transactional and operational pressures; digital integration; sustainability and institutional pressures; and strategic and contextual pressures. Information fragmentation, limited visibility, trust and accountability deficits, coordination inefficiencies and unreliable provenance emerged as the most prominent motivations. However, driver salience varies across clients, contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, regulators and other supply-chain actors, demonstrating that adoption is a negotiated network-level decision rather than a uniform organisational response. Originality/value The findings provide a theoretically grounded basis for empirical research and help practitioners and policymakers align BT investments, governance arrangements and procurement interventions with clearly defined supply-chain problems rather than technology-led experimentation.