Blockchain technology in operations & supply chain management: a content analysis

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

Abstract

Scholars are increasingly examining how the distributed blockchain technology can coun-ter specific supply chain and operations management challenges. Various research approaches emerge from different scholarly backgrounds, but the interrelation of research areas and current trends has not been adequately considered in a systematic review. We employ a data-driven content analysis approach to examine previous research on blockchain technology in operations management and supply chain management. We investigate the extent to which blockchain technology was considered in scholarly works, structure the research efforts, and identify trends, interrelated themes, and promising research opportunities. Quantitative and qualitative content analysis is conducted on an extensive literature sample of 410 articles. Results indicate an optimistic attitude due to potentials such as tracking and tracing abilities, efficiency increases, and trust-building. Conceptual studies dominate the literature set, with increasing qualitative research efforts. Grand theories are seldomly addressed in the studies. Blockchain technology is outlined as particularly useful when combined with other technologies like IoT. We also identified sustainability implications of the tech-nology, such as enabling transparency for SC stakeholders. Cryptocurrencies can facilitate further efficiency gains if legal uncertainties are reduced. The study is concluded with managerial and theoretical implications and future research opportunities.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Number of pages88
JournalSustainability
Volume14
Issue number10
Publication statusPublished - 19 May 2022
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

Scopus 85131293783
Mendeley 9b795213-9100-388a-9078-cb90856c30ad
unpaywall 10.3390/su14106192
ORCID /0000-0002-3197-6159/work/142235855
ORCID /0000-0001-6942-3763/work/142252899