Blockchain: Reputation and Trust in a food supply chain

Abstract

This thesis aims to provide new insights into the use of recent advances in non-fungible token (NFT) and Soulbound technology, which are becoming increasingly important in the blockchain context. Specifically, it discusses how these technologies can enable a renewed and strengthened role for the Internet of Everything concept in the complex processes of Industry 5.0, where social, societal, and technical dimensions merge in an irreducible application context. In this context, the concept of reputation and trust becomes crucial, which is closely related to another broader concept: cybersecurity, an ever-present topic. Not to mention another important aspect: privacy, another hot topic. Blockchain technologies, or more generally, DLT (Distributed Ledger Technology), represent valid tools for achieving certain objectives closely tied to these concepts, which become even more crucial in a supply chain.The use of these technologies can improve reputation and trust within a supply chain. Blockchains can provide greater transparency and traceability of information, allowing consumers to better understand the provenance of the products they purchase. This can increase consumer trust in the food supply chain and enhance the reputation of the companies involved. Indeed, the reputation and trust of these actors can also be tracked and automated, making the entire process more reliable, secure, and dynamic. The potential of this approach is illustrated through a simple yet significant industrial case study project on the food supply chain, currently being researched as part of a European collaborative research effort.