Identifying and Prioritizing Blockchain Technology Applications in Smart City Management

Abstract

This study aims to identify and prioritize the applications of blockchain technology in smart city management. This applied research follows a descriptive–analytical design within a neo-positivist paradigm. Initially, components and indicators were extracted through a comprehensive literature review. Subsequently, the Delphi technique was employed to refine these indicators based on expert opinions. The Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) was used to assign relative weights to criteria, and Partial Least Squares (PLS) modeling was applied to develop the structural model. The statistical population consisted of experts in urban planning and blockchain technology. The findings revealed that blockchain applications in smart cities can be structured into 2 main factors, 7 components, and 31 indicators. Priority analysis indicated that “integration of Internet of Things (IoT) data” has the highest significance. Structural model results showed statistically significant path coefficients, confirming the strong impact of blockchain technology on various dimensions of smart city management. Blockchain technology, due to its inherent features such as transparency, immutability, and security, plays a critical role in enhancing efficiency and security in smart city infrastructures and serves as an effective solution for data integration and reducing system vulnerabilities.