Analyzing the barriers to blockchain adoption in educational sectors: a comprehensive literature review using the Technology-Organizational-Environment (TOE) framework

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to investigate the challenges associated with the integration and implementation of blockchain technology in the education sector. The primary objective is to identify and categorize these challenges using the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework, shedding light on the technological, organizational and environmental factors that influence the adoption of blockchain solutions in educational settings. Design/methodology/approach A comprehensive literature review was conducted across multiple databases including Science Direct, Web of Science, Springer, IEEE Xplore and MDPI. The selected articles were analyzed based on the TOE framework to categorize challenges from the technological, organizational and environmental perspectives. The methodology involves a systematic search, analysis and synthesis of relevant articles to provide an in-depth understanding of the challenges hindering blockchain adoption in education. Findings This review revealed a predominant focus on technological challenges, emphasizing scalability issues, integration complexities, security and privacy concerns and data immutability. However, there is a notable research gap in the exploration of organizational and environmental challenges. The scarcity of studies addressing these perspectives may impact acceptance and resistance to blockchain adoption in educational settings. Originality/value This study contributes to the literature by systematically categorizing and analyzing the challenges associated with blockchain implementation in education using the TOE framework. It identifies the need for further research on organizational and environmental aspects, addressing a significant gap in the current scholarship on blockchain adoption in educational institutions.