Combining Blockchain Technology and the Physical Internet to Achieve Triple Bottom Line Sustainability: A Comprehensive Research Agenda for Modern Logistics and Supply Chain Management

Abstract

Integrating triple bottom line (TBL) goals into supply chains (SCs) is a challenging task which necessitates the careful coordination of numerous stakeholders’ individual interests. Recent technological advancements can impact TBL sustainability by changing the design, structure, and management of modern SCs. Blockchain technology enables immutable data records and facilitates a shared data view along the supply chain. The Physical Internet (PI) is an overarching framework that can be applied to create a layered and comprehensive view of the SC. In this conceptual paper, I define and combine these technologies and derive several high-level research areas and research questions (RQ) to investigate adoption and management as well as structural SC issues. I suggest a theory-based research agenda for the years to come that exploits the strengths of rigorous academic research, while remaining relevant for industry. Furthermore, I suggest various well-established theories to tackle the respective research questions and provide specific directions for future research.

Leveraging the Internet of Things and Blockchain Technology in Supply Chain Management

“…Supply chains are becoming increasingly heterogeneous and complicated due to a growing need for inter-and intra-organizational connectedness, which is enabled by advances in modern technologies and tightly coupled business processes [1,2]. To cope with this dynamic environment and the increasing need to digitize supply chains and enhance competitiveness, companies are applying novel technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, business analytics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and Blockchain technology [3][4][5], as well as innovative concepts such as the so-called physical Internet [6]. The multiplicity of technologies, which are often simultaneously introduced, along with the ubiquity of connected devices, often labeled as 'smart' devices or things, allow value chain exchange (or trading) partners to reach new levels of effectiveness and efficiency [7].…”

A Systematic Review of Blockchain Literature in Logistics and Supply Chain Management: Identifying Research Questions and Future Directions

“…(1) Network effects seem also to contribute to the rapid internationalization of blockchain start-ups [39] (2) Blockchain can influence the actor configuration of the electricity system using social network analysis Buth et al [40] (3) Network theory was used to develop a design for a blockchain-based accounting information system [41] To [42] (1) Smart contracts lead to an increase in competencies, and have the potential to automate processes by running rules encoded in computer programs [43] (2) Blockchain can help to make the customer order management process more efficient, but the evaluation of resources and capabilities is necessary [34] (3) The resource-based view can help to answer questions pertaining to the management of organizational structures [44] What blockchain-related resources generate competitive advantage? How does blockchain change a company's core competencies?…”

“…Such a scenario may reduce the unique competencies in those companies offering services potentially substituted by blockchain technology, but may also lead to increasing competencies in these companies using novel technologies to complement the services. Treiblmaier [1] and Treiblmaier [44] within both works argues that RBV can help to answer questions pertaining to the management of organizational structures, while Martinez et al (2019) have tested how blockchain affects the customer order management process. In the light of the resource-based view, they emphasize that not only is the evaluation of resources and capabilities necessary, but also the reflection upon capabilities that still have to be acquired.…”

How Blockchain Technology Can Benefit Marketing: Six Pending Research Areas

“…These include the use of hashing, time-stamping, consensus mechanisms (a collection of rules that allow network nodes to reach mutual agreement), and asymmetric encryption using public and private keys. Not only has the proposed cryptocurrency model ingeniously solved the double-spending problem (Treiblmaier, 2019a), but it sets out a new paradigm for performing transactions and exchanging value in an online environment (Clohessy et al, 2019). More precisely, any transaction triggered on the blockchain follows a set of predefined rules that are based on security, verifiability and peer consensus to ensure the validity of transactions (Münsing et al, 2017).…”

“…Furthermore, blockchain-enabled transparency breeds trust because consumers have greater visibility and verifiability over the compliance obligations of brand claims. This can include the verification of credence claims such as organic, halal, and other third party certifications, the firm's business practices, and even their involvement in corporate social responsibility activities (e.g., fair trade, ethics, and sustainability measures; Treiblmaier, 2019a). Ensuring this high level of transparency, marketers will be able to signal several positive traits, emphasizing their altruistic motive to look out for the best interest of consumers (DeCarlo, 2005).…”