The construction industry plays an essential role in economic development since it is one of the largest industries all over the world. Blockchain has the potential to reshape the structure of all accessible networks in the future. Construction businesses are increasingly interested in embracing blockchain technology to improve supply chain sustainability performance and supply chain resilience in times of globally increasing risks and volatility. This study evaluates the readiness of actors involved in the producing of concrete goods to emphasize the necessity to bring blockchain into the construction industry, as it may be a solution for supply chain resilience and long-term sustainable growth. Qualitative and quantitative research methods were used in collecting and analyzing the data and testing the hypotheses. Data were collected using an online questionnaire distributed to 300 employees who work within the biggest concrete producing companies in Saudi Arabia. 120 respondents completed the questionnaires. Additionally, confirmatory semi-structured interviews with experts in supply chain financing, IT departments, and procurement departments have been conducted; the study’s findings revealed a low level of blockchain knowledge within Saudi Arabia’s construction industry, since (90%) of respondents have not worked with Blockchain technology. Several technologists barely understand it, and the level of readiness is very low. However, there is a lot of potential, and it is worth investing in it combined with other technologies such as BIM technology. In this study, the authors have sought to provide a measure of Saudi professionals’ attitudes and understanding of blockchain technology solutions within the construction industry in Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, the study’s novelty aimed to provide a grasp of the conceptual, theoretical, and fundamental features of blockchain technology in the construction industry, as blockchain solutions could benefit the global economy by increasing levels of monitoring, tracing, and confidence in international supply chain resilience.

In recent years, several construction-related services incorporating Blockchain-enabled smart contracts have emerged. Blockchain-enabled smart contracts have the potential to modify the structure of all accessible networks in the near future. The purpose of this study is to explore individuals understanding of smart contracts in Saudi Arabia, identify potential advantages, and assess actors' readiness to implement smart contracts technology in ready-mixed concrete (RMC) plants. Data was acquired by questionnaires distributed to employees from Saudi Arabia's RMC plants companies. Additionally, confirmatory interviews were conducted out to areas of expertise. The study's findings revealed a low level of smart contract knowledge within Saudi Arabia’s RMC plants sector. The readiness to implement smart contracts is extremely low. According to the findings, smart contracts can improve supply chain management and supply chain finance efficiency, but not in the current circumstances in Saudi Arabia owing to insufficient digitization.

Electronic building permit systems, integral to e-government services, aim to enhance the efficiency and user ex­perience of the permit process. Despite their widespread adoption, these systems often fall short, complicating and delaying the process. The presence of a variety of stakeholders in such permit systems complicates interactions between actors; nev­ertheless, no research has examined permit systems from a stakeholder analysis approach. This gap is filled by a formal so­cial network analysis that thoroughly investigates interconnected and multi-level governing systems. This study investigates the electronic building permit system’s successes and failures in the construction industry. A mixed-methods approach was used, including interviews with applicants and employees, process mining analysis of event logs from 50 projects, case study observation, and social network analysis. The findings highlight significant barriers: poor communication and coordination among different agency employees, and a lack of adherence to established timeframes. Additionally, the study reveals that these systems are largely automated versions of their traditional counterparts, lacking substantial redesign or restructuring. Consequently, the researchers recommend a thorough re-evaluation and redesign of the electronic building permit system and propose implementing a one-stop-shop platform to facilitate inter-agency collaboration and streamline both internal and external communications and coordination.