Blockchain and Supply Chain Management: A New Paradigm for Supply Chain Integration and Collaboration

Author(s):

  • Michael Wang1 (Higher Colleges of Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates)
  • Yong Wu1 (Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia)
  • Bruce Chen1 (Monash University, Melbourne, Australia)
  • Melissa Evans1 (Scion (The New Zealand Forest Research Institute), Rotorua, New Zealand)

Abstract:
Despite there are some arguments about blockchain, it has been highlighted as an important distributed secure technology in the 21st century. It is an incorruptible digital ledger of economic transactions that can be programmed to record not just financial transactions but virtually everything of value. Dobrovnik et al. (2018) suggest that blockchain is a revolutionising technology that would change industries at an international level, add values to firms and supply chain networks, improve commerce, and drive economy. Although blockchain has attracted attentions, very few blockchain studies have been focussed on supply chain integration and collaboration areas. This study illustrates the possibilities of applying blockchain technology in the coordination of activities for effective and efficient supply chain management. The study takes a closer look at the use of blockchain in supply chains beyond cryptocurrency, payment, and finance via the use of smart contract and consensus algorithm (i.e. imposing constraints). The key attributes of blockchain are discussed and potential questions were identified in New Zealand. The expected outcome of this study will advance the understanding of the blockchain and supply chain literature, besides inspire both researchers and practitioners to consider the use of blockchain in different context-aware future studies.

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