Blockchain ecosystem in construction: Open or closed ecosystem?

Abstract

Blockchain technology has been considered a game-changer across many sectors and slowly gains traction in construction. Because of immutability and transparency, blockchain is seen as a solution to the fragmentation and distrust. Various industry players, government and policymakers are increasingly interested in co-creating ideas with this technology. This collective interest on blockchain implies the possibility for democratising it following an Open Innovation (OI) paradigm. We explore the feasibility of OI paradigm in construction using blockchain as an example and research setting. Through content analysis of semi-structured interviews with 24 experts we explore openness/closedness of blockchain innovation ecosystems. The data showed that OI is still in its infancy in construction. Whereas blockchain implies openness and transparency, construction focuses on closed blockchain ecosystems due to resistance in sharing data and research initiatives. This brings implications for government and construction clients who are deemed facilitators of digital revolution.