Factors Influencing the Adoption of Distributed Ledger Technology in Developing Countries: An Examination of Nigerian Construction Industry

ABSTRACT

The construction industry is known for its intricate and fragmented nature, often plagued by inefficient processes and data management challenges. Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) presents a promising solution, potentially revolutionizing data sharing, transparency, and security. However, the successful adoption of DLT necessitates a comprehensive understanding of its implications, effective organizational changes, and strategic implementation strategies. This study examines the critical factors in adopting DLT into construction processes and workflows. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews with key stakeholders in the Nigerian construction industry. The findings emphasize the importance of educating staff about DLT’s benefits, strategic planning aligned with business goals, collaboration with DLT experts, universities, and industry partners, careful planning and robust security measures, and organizational changes such as dedicated DLT teams and engaging suppliers. Recommendations include prioritizing continuous improvement, investing in training programs, and exploring integration with emerging technologies. The study provides empirical insights into DLT adoption challenges and strategies, synthesizing these findings with existing literature, and offers a roadmap for construction firms, policymakers, and researchers seeking to leverage DLT for enhanced efficiency and innovation in the construction industry.

KEYWORDS:

• Construction industry
• developing countries
• digital construction
• distributed ledger technology
• construction organisation

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Supplementary material

Supplemental data for this article can be accessed online at https://doi.org/10.1080/15578771.2024.2384375

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