Blockchain Technology for Sustainable Supply Chain Management: A Systematic Literature Review and a Classification Framework

Abstract

Through a systematic review of publications in reputed peer-reviewed journals, this paper investigates the role of blockchain technology in sustainable supply chain management. It uses the What, Who, Where, When, How, and Why (5W+1H) pattern to formulate research objectives and questions. The review considers publications since 2015, and it includes 187 papers published in 2017, 2018, 2019, and the early part of 2020, since no significant publications were found in the year 2015 or 2016 on this subject. It proposes a reusable classification framework—emerging technology literature classification level (ETLCL) framework—based on grounded theory and the technology readiness level for conducting literature reviews in various focus areas of an emerging technology. Subsequently, the study uses ETLCL to classify the literature on our focus area. The results show traceability and transparency as the key benefits of applying blockchain technology. They also indicate a heightened interest in blockchain-based information systems for sustainable supply chain management starting since 2017. This paper offers invaluable insights for managers and leaders who envision sustainability as an essential component of their business. The findings demonstrate the disruptive power and role of blockchain-based information systems. Given the relative novelty of the topic and its scattered literature, the paper helps practitioners examining its various aspects by directing them to the right information sources.

Blockchain technology’s impact on supply chain integration and sustainable supply chain performance: evidence from the automotive industry

“…These features provide the organizations with error-free and immutable information accessible to all the authorized partners providing a high level of integration. It is implied that one of the critical reason for SCI to be a significant mediating variable is the increased level of data security provided by the BT, which restricts the SC members to provide false information, replace or make any changes in the existing information increasing the level of trust and confidence in the SC transactions (Paliwal et al, 2020). The finding implies that the blockchain capabilities improved supplier integration, strengthening the SCI, resulting in improved relationships with the suppliers, quality products, and quick deliveries.…”

Analysis of the international experience of implementing blockchain technology

“…Blockchain technology positively affects the solution of key problems of supply chain management, including the reliability, stability and flexibility of the supply chain (Paliwal et al, 2020).…”

Blockchain for Public Services: A Systematic Literature Review

“…The adoption of blockchain towards the provision of public services is expected to have important social, political and environmental implications. Blockchain can render societies more sustainable, understood as the harmony of three pillars: environmental, economic, and social [11]. Blockchain has the potential to improve the access and transparency of public registries, management of, and access to, energy and water, citizen participation tools and international cooperation, among other advantages.…”