Exploring the factors affecting the adoption of blockchain technology in the supply chain and logistic industry

Abstract

Background: The digitalisation phenomenon has significantly transformed and advanced the adoption of blockchain technology in organisations. The fourth industrial revolution has been the main driver of digital transformation in organisations to gain a competitive advantage in their respective industries. Therefore, studies on blockchain adoption have gained a relative pace over the recent years but there is limited literature focussing on the supply chain and logistics industry. The study fills the gap as it explored factors that affect the adoption of blockchain technology in supply chain and logistics.

Objectives: The primary research objective of the study was to explore the factors that affect the adoption of blockchain technology in supply chain and logistics. The study explored the technological, organisational, and environmental factors that affect the adoption of blockchain technology in the supply chain and logistics industry.

Method: The study conducted a content analysis of peer-reviewed articles published between 2013 and 2021 on the factors affecting the adoption of blockchain technology in the supply chain and logistics. The article used a quantitative study to explore factors affecting blockchain adoption using the Technology-Organisational-Environmental (TOE) framework as the theoretical lens.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the study revealed that Asia, Europe, and America contribute more research on factors affecting the adoption of blockchain technology between 2013 and 2021. In addition, the results suggest that technical factors (security, complexity, and cost), organisational factors (management support), and environmental factors (competition, IT policy and regulations, and support) affect the adoption of blockchain technology in supply chain and logistics industry. The study contributes to the body of knowledge on factors affecting the adoption of blockchain technology in the supply chain and logistic industry.