Integrating Blockchain Technology in Supply Chain Management: A Bibliometric Analysis of Theme Extraction via Text Mining

Abstract

The integration of blockchain technology into supply chain management (SCM) has emerged as a revolutionary force transforming traditional business operations. This study uses bibliometric analysis on 1069 articles from the Scopus database, using text mining and Python to uncover predominant themes and research trends at the intersection of blockchain and SCM. The key findings revealed three main thematic groups: ‘blockchain to improve transparency and traceability in SCM’ (supported by 323 articles), ‘impact of blockchain on supply chain efficiency and cost reduction’ (295 articles), and ‘blockchain-enabled supply chain resilience’ (191 articles). Furthermore, text mining highlighted prominent themes such as ‘decentralized supply chain networks’ (204 articles), ‘smart contracts for automated processes in SCM’ (234 articles), and ‘blockchain for sustainable supply chain practices’ (227 articles). The inclusion of sustainability themes reflects the growing importance of environmentally conscious strategies within supply chains, driven by the capacity of blockchain to reduce waste, and promote resource efficiency. The study identifies critical literature gaps, advocating for further exploration of the socio-economic impacts of blockchain on SCM. The topic extraction suggests new directions for SCM theory, while the role of blockchain in fostering sustainable and ethical supply chains is underscored. Practically, blockchain and IoT emerge as pivotal in the advancement of SCM, with text mining offering industry foresight and emphasizing blockchain-driven resilient strategies. Limitations include reliance on a single database and the recommendation that future studies incorporate diverse sources and qualitative insights. The findings provide a roadmap for academics and practitioners, highlighting potential avenues in SCM, especially in the context of sustainable and ethical practices.