Assessing the adoption of Blockchain Technology in Smart Sustainable Cities: insights from construction practitioners in Malaysia

Wong, Phui Fung, Tan, Xian Yi and Lou, Eric CW ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7099-1426 (2024) Assessing the adoption of Blockchain Technology in Smart Sustainable Cities: insights from construction practitioners in Malaysia. International Journal of Construction Education and Research. pp. 1-23. ISSN 1557-8771

Accepted Version File will be available on: 15 October 2025. Available under License Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial. Download (303kB)

Abstract

In response to rapid urbanization and associated challenges, city planners worldwide are increasingly turning to the development of smart sustainable cities (SSC). Blockchain technology has emerged as a disruptive force with the potential to facilitate this transformation. While existing research has explored the concept, features, and applications of blockchain within SSC, limited attention has been given to the perspectives of construction practitioners regarding its adoption. This study seeks to address this gap by assessing the acceptance level of construction practitioners toward blockchain technology in SSC. Through the distribution of questionnaires to construction practitioners, comprising 153 responses, this research reveals a generally high level of acceptability toward blockchain technology in SSC, with notable exceptions in property or asset transactions and data management. Furthermore, significant disparities in acceptance were observed across different age groups and educational backgrounds, with older generations and those with lower levels of education demonstrating lower levels of acceptance. These findings provide valuable insights for city planners and relevant authorities, enabling them to design informed strategies and roadmaps to ensure the successful integration of blockchain technology in SSC by considering the acceptance levels of construction practitioners.