A strategic framework for bolstering the adoption of blockchain-enabled smart contracts in infrastructure public–private partnerships projects

Purpose The purpose of this study is to adopt a quantitative approach to critically examine the effectiveness of measures to promote the adoption and implementation of blockchain-enabled smart contracts (BSCs) in long-term infrastructure public–private partnerships (PPPs) projects within the theoretical lens of the hybrid technology, organisation and environment (TOE) framework and institutional theory. Design/methodology/approach A literature review was undertaken to identify 34 measures for mitigating various barriers to the adoption of blockchain-smart contracts. It was used to design a survey questionnaire guided by the six constructs of the hybrid model. A total of 123 questionnaire data were gathered via purposive and snowball sampling techniques from experts across countries. The data was analysed using mean analysis, coefficient of variation, relative effectiveness index, Spearman correlation analysis and fuzzy set theory. Findings It was found that the measures (strategies) assessed were “very effective” in promoting the broader adoption of BSC in infrastructure PPP projects. Mimetic measures, organisational measures, normative pressure and technological measures were the leading and most critical measures for improving the adoption of smart contracts in PPP. A strong, positive and significant impact was observed between the six constructs of the hybrid model and the adoption of BSC in PPP. Originality/value Studies integrating blockchain in PPP are scanty, and a quantitative study on measures to improve BSC adoption and implementation in infrastructure PPP projects is absent. Furthermore, the combination of TOE framework and institutional theory has yet to be used to explore the adoption of BSC in infrastructure PPP projects. This study pioneers the promotion of strategies for the digitalisation of PPP projects using smart contracts for sustainable infrastructure development.