A systematic review of academic literature for blockchain application in government and public service

Purpose Blockchain technology, characterized by its decentralized and secure ledger system, is increasingly recognized for its transformative potential in government applications. However, inadequate summarization and synthesis of existing literature have led to an underappreciation of the challenges and future opportunities in this domain, particularly among government practitioners. This study aims to address these shortcomings by providing a comprehensive and detailed review of how blockchain is used in government, thereby filling the existing gap in current research. Design/methodology/approach This paper presents a comprehensive review of blockchain applications within the governmental sector, analyzing 175 scholarly articles to assess its transformative potential on public services. Utilizing force field analysis, the study delineates the driving forces behind blockchain adoption and the obstacles it faces. Findings The review highlights blockchain’s capacity to fundamentally improve public administration by enhancing transparency, efficiency and security across a variety of sectors, such as healthcare, electronic voting and registration systems. Moreover, the paper showcases several international case studies, providing insights into the tangible advantages and challenges encountered during the deployment of blockchain in government settings. Research limitations/implications This study identifies existing theoretical voids and advocates for interdisciplinary research efforts to maximize blockchain’s benefits in enhancing governmental operations. Practical implications The findings offer valuable insights for policymakers and researchers, advocating for regulations and collaborative efforts to leverage blockchain effectively in government services. Originality/value This review examines literature across multiple disciplines, including technology, governance, public services, policy and organizational studies. This interdisciplinary approach is crucial for understanding the multifaceted impact of blockchain on the government and public sectors. A government review shifts the focus from profitability to more of a public service perspective as well as cost reduction, efficiency and similar to the humanitarian situation to relieve difficulties in people’s lives.