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Overcoming technological barriers for blockchain adoption in supply chains: a diffusion of innovation (DOI)-informed framework proposal

Katherine Kaneda Moraes (Faculty of Engineering, Federal University of Grande Dourados (UFGD), Dourados, Brazil and Department of Production Engineering, Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), São Carlos, Brazil)
Gilberto Miller Devós Ganga (Department of Production Engineering, Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), São Carlos, Brazil)
Moacir Godinho Filho (Metis Lab, EM Normandie Business School, Normandie, France and Department of Production Engineering, Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), São Carlos, Brazil)
Luis Antonio Santa-Eulalia (Department of Information Systems and Quantitative Methods in Business, Business School, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada)
Guilherme Luz Tortorella (Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; IAE Business School, Universidad Austral, Buenos Aires, Argentina and Department of Systems and Production Engineering, Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianopolis, Brazil)

Supply Chain Management

ISSN: 1359-8546

Article publication date: 3 December 2024

Issue publication date: 3 February 2025

206

Abstract

Purpose

The integration of blockchain technology (BT) in supply chain management (SCM) is at the forefront of technological advancements, yet it faces significant barriers that hinder its widespread adoption. This study aims to delve into these challenges, employing the diffusion of innovations (DOI) theory to systematically investigate and propose a strategic framework for overcoming the technological barriers to BT adoption within SCM.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a comprehensive systematic literature review (SLR) of 155 publications, complemented by rigorous content analysis and expert interviews, this research identifies and categorizes 16 primary technological barriers, including scalability and privacy issues, that impede BT integration.

Findings

The proposed framework, informed by DOI theory, outlines tailored strategies across three critical adoption stages: initiation, where the focus is on mitigating high energy consumption and scalability issues; adoption decision, emphasizing the formulating international standards for blockchain architecture, embedding abstraction layers within software projects; and implementation, concentrating on enhancing security, interoperability and system efficiency.

Originality/value

This research contributes significantly to both academic literature and practical applications. Academically, it extends the DOI theory within the SCM context and enriches the blockchain literature by providing a nuanced understanding of the specific barriers to BT adoption. Practically, it offers a roadmap for industry practitioners, delineating actionable strategies to navigate the adoption process effectively. This study not only bridges the gap between theoretical insights and practical implementations but also serves as a vital resource for policymakers and standard-setting bodies in facilitating and regulating BT adoption in SCM, thereby fostering innovation and competitive advantage in the marketplace.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to acknowledge Capes and CNPQ Brazilian Funding Agencies for partially funding this research.

Declaration of interest: The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

Data Availability Statement: The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author.

Citation

Moraes, K.K., Ganga, G.M.D., Godinho Filho, M., Santa-Eulalia, L.A. and Tortorella, G.L. (2025), "Overcoming technological barriers for blockchain adoption in supply chains: a diffusion of innovation (DOI)-informed framework proposal", Supply Chain Management, Vol. 30 No. 1, pp. 19-49. https://doi.org/10.1108/SCM-02-2024-0138

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2024, Emerald Publishing Limited

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