Theorising blockchain in supply chain activities with activity theory

This paper aims to provide new insights into the integration of blockchain in supply chain activities by examining them through activity theory. Existing blockchain-based supply chain studies are typically atheoretical, meaning they lack theoretical development. Existing studies that are theoretical in their orientation tend to lean towards predictive theories heavily. We suggest that explanatory theory is more beneficial for studying emerging technology. We propose activity theory to theorise and explain blockchain-mediated supply chain activities. Based on case vignettes, we illustrate how activity theory can drive novel insights. This approach highlights how activity theory can privilege extended or new insights in the study of blockchain and supply chains. Future research steps are discussed

Blockchain: A Business Model Innovation Analysis

The adoption of blockchain-based technologies by organisations can bring benefits in terms of firms' profitability, productivity and efficiency, making companies rethink their existing business models. However, as the technology is still developing and the research on the implications of the different types of blockchain networks (i.e. public, private, consortium) is scarce, their role in business model innovation requires closer attention. To address this gap, the paper provides a conceptual insight into the role of blockchain technology in companies with different value configurations by examining the technological conditions that can impact business models and probing the role of technology benefits in driving company value. The analysis contributes to the literature by discussing the business implications of innovative technologies and uncovering their positive and negative consequences for the value creation, delivery and capture activities. Such analysis sheds light on the functions of blockchains that have a differentiating impact on business processes. Also, the paper puts forward managerial implications by discussing the paths of business model innovation using blockchain technologies

Does blockchain introduce new tensions in supply chain networks? A view from the food supply chain industry

Traceability and Authenticity (TA) has been a crucial concern for supply chain networks, as illegal and unauthorised practices spread due to a lack of TA. Innovative technology blockchain is argued to enable TA and address different issues in the food supply chain. While existing literature has mostly taken a techno-optimistic view of blockchain’s potential to solve current supply chain issues, tensions that blockchain can introduce in supply chain activities remain neglected. Therefore, this study empirically investigated blockchain implementation to uncover the new tensions in supply chain activities while solving existing tensions. Activity theory was adopted as a theoretical lens with in-depth qualitative interviews from organisations deploying blockchain to enable TA in the network. The study proposes new theoretical insights on how tensions emerge and build on each other to achieve TA in the supply chain network, which will guide organisations to improve TA by adopting blockchain

Towards a Triple Bottom Line Perspective of Blockchains in Supply Chain

The blockchain technologies underlying cryptocurrencies have recently gained considerable attention for having potential applications in other fields. This is due to potential benefits such as decentralisation, immutability, disintermediation, transparency and traceability. One of the earliest and most active industries to explore blockchain technologies has been the supply chain and logistics industry. However, the literature in this area is fragmented and lacks an overarching framework to integrate the findings and systematically guide research and practice. This paper analyses 37 recent studies retrieved from the literature. The analysis synthesises the themes into a cohesive conceptual framework by taking the concept of Triple Bottom Line (TBL) as an overall perspective. This framework will assist both practitioners and researchers in better understanding the issues involved in implementing blockchains in the supply chain context, by not only considering potential operational economic benefits but also social and environmental impacts

When is Blockchain Technology Valuable? – A State-of-the-Art Analysis

Even if there is a common agreement on the general benefits of Blockchain Technology, it is less obvious when the usage of this technology is valuable; i.e. when a Blockchain Technology fit is given for a certain scenario. To assess whether a Blockchain is suitable, various descriptions and frameworks already exist. Nevertheless, decisions when to implement Blockchain Technology are still hype-driven and based on known use cases instead of such frameworks. This study provides a state-of-the-art analysis of papers that offer assessments for a Blockchain Technology suitability. By drawing conclusions on five research problems in this field, a research agenda is derived and guidelines for a BCT framework are suggested. Accordingly, a framework should clearly state (a) the organisational level, (b) what to assess, and (c) how to assess it. Furthermore, a framework should be (d) case independent, and would offer value if (e) patterns are outlined to assess a BCT fit more easily

Understanding blockchain technology for future supply chains: a systematic literature review and research agenda

Purpose: This paper investigates the way in which blockchain technology is likely to influence future supply chain practices and policies. Design/methodology/approach: A systematic review of both academic and practitioner literature was conducted. Multiple accounts of blockchain adoption within industry were also consulted to gain further insight. Findings: While blockchain technologies remain in their infancy, they are gaining momentum within supply chains, trust being the predominant factor driving their adoption. The value of such technologies for supply chain management lies in four areas: extended visibility and traceability, supply chain digitalisation and disintermediation, improved data security and smart contracts. Several challenges and gaps in understanding and opportunities for further research are identified by our research. How a blockchain enabled supply chain should be configured has also been explored from a design perspective. Research limitations/implications: Our systematic review focuses on the diffusion of blockchain technology within supply chains and great care was taken in selecting search terms. However, we acknowledge that our choice of terms may have excluded certain blockchain articles from this review. Practical implications: This paper offers valuable insight for supply-chain practitioners into how blockchain technology has the potential to disrupt existing supply chain provisions as well as a number of challenges to its successful diffusion. Originality/value: Ours is one of the first studies to examine the current state of blockchain diffusion within supply chains. It lays a firm foundation for future research. Keywords: blockchain, distributed ledger technology, supply chain management, peer-to-peer communication, systematic literature revie

Sustainable Development Report: Blockchain, the Web3 & the SDGs

This is an output paper of the applied research that was conducted between July 2018 - October 2019 funded by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) and conducted by the Research Institute for Cryptoeconomics at the Vienna University of Economics and Business and RCE Vienna (Regional Centre of Expertise on Education for Sustainable Development).Series: Working Paper Series / Institute for Cryptoeconomics / Interdisciplinary Researc

The role of digital technologies for the LCA empowerment towards circular economy goals: a scenario analysis for the agri-food system

Purpose This paper aims to develop a scenario analysis on the experts' perceptions of benefits and barriers related to adopting digital technologies for the life cycle assessment (LCA) to catalyse a circular economy transition in the agri-food system. Methods A literature review was performed to identify LCA's digital technologies that can be implemented within the agri-food system. Furthermore, an in-depth interview with a panel of senior researchers was conducted to establish a set of items and assess the perceived benefits and barriers associated with an "empowered LCA", i.e. a future-oriented LCA based on digital technologies. To this end, a two-stage exploratory factor analysis relying on the principal component analysis technique was carried out to refine the set of items. Finally, a covariance-based structural equation model was performed, built on a confirmatory factor analysis, to test the measurement model. Results and discussion The study's findings provide five constructs to explore the potential benefits and barriers related to adopting a digital technologies-based LCA (empowered LCA) for a circular economy transition in the agri-food system. More specifically, the benefits can be assessed using the following constructs: "benefits for the data collection and analysis", "benefits for the LCA analysts", "benefits for the management" and "benefits for traceability". In addition, the barriers have been evaluated using a single construct labelled "general barriers". Conclusions The study highlights the relevance of digital technologies for a circular economy transition to develop a more reliable LCA, enhancing legislative compliance and supporting the traceability processes in the agri-food system. The associated implications for LCA experts, agri-food managers and policymakers are presented. Furthermore, limitations and future research directions are also discussed

Sustainable Development Report: Blockchain, the Web3 & the SDGs

This is an output paper of the applied research that was conducted between July 2018 - October 2019 funded by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) and conducted by the Research Institute for Cryptoeconomics at the Vienna University of Economics and Business and RCE Vienna (Regional Centre of Expertise on Education for Sustainable Development).Series: Working Paper Series / Institute for Cryptoeconomics / Interdisciplinary Researc

Going Beyond Blockchain Adoption\u27s Hype to Improve Supply Chain Sustainability: Evidence From Empirical and Modelling Studies

Potential solutions emerge with the fourth Industrial Revolution technologies, including the Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain. The global supply chain requires greater traceability and transparency to ensure product security, efficient management and sustainable performance. However, traditional supply chains face several challenges related to traceability systems. This paper aims to analyse academic literature regarding Blockchain adoption in supply chains to improve traceability and transparency from a sustainable perspective. A systematic literature review was performed in order to provide verifiable evidence; we focused our investigation on empirical and modelling articles. Results suggest that Blockchain benefits occur through three levels: macro-level (overall supply chain network), meso-level (such as dyadic relationships) and micro-level (end consumers). However, we note that the contribution’s results have not yet reached a consensus. We have therefore proposed three research insights towards addressing the identified gaps