A Systematic review and multi-criteria validation of blockchain-based data-sharing frameworks using the Analytical Hierarchy Process

Blockchain technology promises secure, transparent data sharing yet lacks standardized validation mechanisms for evidence-based adoption. This systematic review synthesizes multi-criteria validation approaches for blockchain-based data-sharing frameworks using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, 44 peer-reviewed studies (2017–2026) were analyzed across healthcare, supply chains, smart cities, and financial services. Findings reveal pronounced criterion heterogeneity: security (86.4%), interoperability (72.7%), and scalability (63.6%) dominate evaluations, while organizational factors remain underrepresented. AHP emerged as the predominant validation method (40.9% of studies), with Hyperledger Fabric-based frameworks achieving the highest composite score (28.4%) for consortium deployments requiring granular governance. Critically, only 13.6% of studies conducted longitudinal validation against operational performance, exposing a disconnect between methodological sophistication and real-world verification. Anchored in the Technology-Organization-Environment framework, this review proposes an integrated validation protocol mandating minimum 20% governance weighting, dynamic criterion recalibration, and 24-month performance tracking. The study contributes a replicable AHP-driven structure for evidence-based blockchain platform selection and identifies longitudinal empirical validation as the critical frontier for transforming theoretical rankings into operational success across heterogeneous organizational contexts.