Advancing Blockchain and Smart Contracts from Academia to Industry: Insights into the Construction Sector

Blockchain (BC) and smart contract (SC), known for their decentralized and secure frameworks, have been successfully applied across industries to enhance security, efficiency, and transparency in technical and engineering aspects such as automated transactions, data management, and supply chain monitoring. In recent years, the construction industry has seen significant advancements in adopting BC and SC. This review paper examines the latest BC and SC prototypes, case studies, and technical applications published over the past four years, focusing on how these academic developments can be transitioned into industry practice. By categorizing the collected studies using Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) and conducting an in-depth analysis, the paper seeks to identify strategies for accelerating the adoption of these technologies in the construction sector. Reviewing recent advancements, this paper uncovers key trends, benefits, and challenges associated with implementing BC and SC in construction. The findings suggest that these technologies can significantly enhance project efficiency, contract management, and supply chain transparency while fostering trust among stakeholders. While these technologies offer significant potential, critical challenges, including scalability, privacy, and integration complexities, hinder their widespread adoption. Moreover, specific limitations, such as the difficulty in establishing regulatory compliance and technical barriers in data management, remain unresolved. By providing actionable insights and highlighting pathways to bridge the adoption gaps, the paper aims to accelerate the integration of BC and SC into the construction industry, driving innovation, transparency, and operational efficiency.