Blockchain Papers

Haidi Zhou, Qiang Wang, Xiande Zhao

No abstract is available for this record.

Pavlo Zherzherunov

Blockchain technology is reshaping supply chain management (SCM) by enhancing transparency, traceability, and trust among stakeholders. This study reviews recent applications of blockchain in SCM, focusing on its integration with IoT, smart contracts, and distributed ledger technologies. Key benefits include real-time data sharing, tamper-proof records, and improved coordination across supply chain actors. The article proposes a conceptual blockchain-based model that supports secure data exchange, automated verification, and tokenized asset tracking, aimed at reducing fraud and inefficiencies. Despite its potential, blockchain implementation faces challenges such as scalability, regulatory uncertainty, and interoperability. Through analysis of recent case studies and pilot projects, the paper identifies practical limitations and future directions, including the development of lightweight consensus algorithms and ethical frameworks for decentralized systems. The findings underscore blockchain’s capacity to modernize supply chains, provided that technical and institutional barriers are addressed.

Özgür Karaduman, Gülsena Gülhas

As supply chains become increasingly digitized and decentralized, ensuring security, traceability, and data integrity has emerged as a critical concern. Blockchain technology has shown significant potential to address these challenges by providing immutable records, transparent data flows, and tamper-resistant transaction logs. However, the effective application of blockchain in real-world supply chains requires the careful evaluation of both architectural design and technical limitations, including scalability, interoperability, and privacy. This review systematically examines existing blockchain-based supply chain solutions, classifying them based on their structural models, cryptographic foundations, and storage strategies. Special attention is also given to underexplored humanitarian logistics scenarios. It introduces a three-dimensional evaluation framework to assess security, traceability, and integrity across different architectural approaches. In doing so, it explores key technological enablers, including advanced mechanisms such as zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs) and cross-chain architectures, to meet evolving privacy and interoperability demands. Furthermore, this study outlines a conceptual cross-chain interaction scenario involving permissioned and permissionless blockchain networks, connected through a bridge mechanism and supported by representative smart contract logic. The model illustrates how decentralized stakeholders can interact securely across heterogeneous blockchain platforms. By integrating quantitative metrics, architectural simulations, and qualitative analyses, this paper contributes to a deeper understanding of blockchain’s role in next-generation supply chains, offering guidance for researchers and practitioners aiming to design resilient and trustworthy supply chain management (SCM) systems.

Varun Gawarikar

This paper proposes an integrated fintech–insurtech architecture that embeds insurance directly into logistics and trade workflows using digital networks, distributed ledger technologies, and real-time risk analytics. Drawing on network effects, game theory, and empirical observations from inland transport and cargo insurance markets in India, the paper models strategic interactions among insurers, shippers, transporters, and trade finance providers. The study introduces an ordinal risk classification framework and a self-sustaining quarterly cargo claims cycle designed to stabilize liquidity, optimize premium pricing, and reduce information asymmetry, particularly for MSMEs operating in fragmented supply chains. By repositioning insurance as a continuously embedded financial infrastructure rather than a post-loss settlement mechanism, the framework demonstrates how digitally native insurance systems can improve trust, capital efficiency, and resilience across integrated logistics and trade ecosystems.

SeyyedHossein Barati

This study investigates the impact of blockchain technology on demand forecasting and the associated costs in supply chain management using system dynamics modeling. With the increasing complexity and challenges of demand prediction in modern supply chains, the potential of blockchain to enhance the accuracy of demand forecasting and reduce related costs has become a critical area of interest. The research employs system dynamics to model the interrelationships between key factors such as blockchain adoption, data accuracy, transaction transparency, and supply chain performance. The findings highlight that blockchain integration significantly improves demand forecasting accuracy by ensuring real-time data sharing, reducing information asymmetry, and enhancing decision-making processes. Moreover, the simulation results show that blockchain adoption can reduce forecasting errors, thereby lowering operational costs. This research contributes to the existing literature by demonstrating the practical benefits of blockchain in supply chain operations, offering valuable insights for practitioners and researchers. It also provides a foundation for future studies to explore the scalability of blockchain in different sectors and its broader applications in optimizing supply chain functions.

Marta Rinaldi, Mario Caterino, Stefano Riemma, Roberto Macchiaroli · 5 authors

Background: Emergency scenarios present unprecedented challenges for supply chains worldwide, particularly in the management and distribution of critical supplies, where timely delivery and maintaining integrity are crucial. Methods: This article explores an innovative approach to enhance the emergency management of supply chains using blockchain technology and simulation-based modelling. The proposed methodology aims to tackle issues such as transparency, efficiency, and security, which are vital for managing logistics during crises. A case study involving a vaccine rollout is used to demonstrate how blockchain can optimise supply chain operations, reduce bottlenecks, and ensure better traceability and accountability throughout the process. The case study is specifically developed based on the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines in Italy. Results: The integration of blockchain technology not only enhances data integrity and security but also facilitates real-time monitoring and decision-making. Conslusions: The findings suggest that the proposed blockchain-based model can significantly improve supply chain resilience in emergency situations compared to traditional methods, thereby offering valuable insights for policymakers and supply chain managers facing future crises.

Benedict Jun, Shuai Liu, George Q. Huang, C.T. Ng

Abstract Blockchain technology is increasingly used to ensure the authenticity of product information in supply chains. As digital transparency becomes a key factor in modern commerce, the evaluation of blockchain’s value becomes important. In this paper, we model a supply chain with a manufacturer and an online retailer to study the role of blockchain in the marketplace and wholesale price models. Particularly, we take consumer quality preference into account and examine its impact on blockchain adoption. We discuss how blockchain ensures the authenticity of quality information shared between the manufacturer and retailer while improving consumers’ perceived product value. Our findings indicate that blockchain enhances information transparency and reduces the impact of commissions on pricing in the wholesale price model, which is beneficial to both the manufacturer and the retailer. This is significantly advantageous when quality-conscious consumers dominate the marketplace model. We recommend that the manufacturer and retailer should assess consumer preferences for product quality and carefully weigh the cost of implementing blockchain. Blockchain reduces constraints from commission-driven pricing, offering greater flexibility in business model selection. Additionally, transparency improvements are crucial when implementing blockchain in the marketplace model.

Tomaž Kukman, Sergej Gričar

This article delves into the transformative impact of blockchain technology on enhancing transaction quality and efficiency. Since the emergence of blockchain alongside Bitcoin in 2008, its decentralised and transparent nature has significantly improved transaction speed, security, and cost efficiency. These advancements have solidified blockchain as a foundational innovation in financial services. The paper examines critical milestones in blockchain, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Binance Coin (BNB), and their role in reshaping global finance by automating processes and reducing reliance on intermediaries. Additionally, the study evaluates blockchain’s impact on quality management, particularly emphasising how its immutable ledger system enhances the reliability and transparency of financial transactions. Despite challenges such as scalability, energy consumption, and regulatory hurdles, the potential for blockchain to redefine transaction quality in financial services is evident. This research contributes to the growing body of literature by integrating blockchain technology and traditional quality management systems, providing a comprehensive perspective on how the two domains influence one another. The findings underscore blockchain’s ability to drive innovation in financial services while addressing security, efficiency, and operational quality concerns.

Michael Lustenberger, Florian Spychiger

Purpose This paper investigates the influence of blockchain technology on trust and transparency within supply chain management. While existing research suggests blockchain has revolutionary potential, real-world evidence remains limited. This study aims to bridge this gap. Design/methodology/approach The research relies on transaction cost analysis and principal-agent theory to develop a conceptual model. The model proposes how blockchain fosters trust and transparency, ultimately leading to a market-based governance model within supply chains. Five different blockchain applications were analyzed in a multi-case study through document reviews and expert interviews to test the model’s assumptions. Findings The study’s findings challenge initial assumptions. The complexity of blockchain networks and a reluctance to share information among participants hinder blockchain technology’s ability to increase trust and transparency. Consequently, the expected reduction in opportunism and uncertainties is not observed, and a market-based governance model fails to materialize. In practice, supply chain partners gravitate toward permissioned blockchains managed by established consortia. Acting as trusted third parties, these consortia assume control over network management, rendering blockchain essentially unnecessary. Originality/value This paper sheds light on the practical limitations of blockchain technology in revolutionizing supply chain management. While blockchain promises much, the findings suggest that established consortia currently play a more critical role in fostering trust and transparency within supply chains.

Ma Del Valle Fernández Moreno, Juan Miguel Alcántara-Pilar, Marta Tolentino

Abstract This paper presents the results of a bibliometric analysis concerning the application of blockchain technology to logistics. It aims to discern the relational structure among past and current topics, predict emerging trends, and provide a longitudinal perspective on this research domain. Using co-word analysis techniques, we employ SciMAT software to analyze over 800 papers from 2016 to March 2023. The investigation enhances the understanding of blockchain technology, revealing that scientific production in this area revolves around eight primary thematic clusters. Visual representations of the results are provided through longitudinal maps and strategic diagrams, illustrating pivotal themes across the three study periods: blockchain and sustainability. Smart contracts emerge as a focal topic in the final period under consideration.

Tommaso Agnola, Luca Ambrosini, Edoardo Beretta, Giuliano Gremlich

Global supply chains, especially in commodity trading, are plagued by fragmentation, lack of transparency, and trust deficits among participants. These issues lead to inefficiencies, increased costs, and an over-reliance on intermediaries. The present Communication describes a blockchain-based platform that leverages Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI) and Verifiable Credentials (VCs) to address these challenges in supply chain management. Developed in collaboration with coffee industry stakeholders, our approach proposes a platform with an integrated marketplace for seller discovery, enables precise order definition with detailed terms and conditions, and actively guides both buyers and sellers throughout the shipping process, managing financial guarantees and ensuring a secure transaction flow. The platform is compatible with both traditional banking infrastructure and modern crypto-based systems, enabling seamless financial transactions. In cases where disputes arise, we empower users to easily collect all communications and documents to present to legal authorities, expediting the resolution process. The platform is implemented using the Internet Computer Protocol (ICP) for secure, on-chain storage and application hosting, and is integrated with the Ethereum blockchain to leverage its extensive decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem, significant liquidity, and robust stablecoin infrastructure, thereby facilitating secure financial transactions. Moreover, we introduce an SSI-based authentication and authorization framework that spans across the entire platform, including both the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) and Internet Computer Protocol (ICP), enabling unified role-based access control through verifiable credentials. A value-added of the present Communication, the framework is demonstrated by means of a detailed case study in the coffee industry, highlighting the technical challenges addressed during implementation. While quantitative efficiency metrics will be established through upcoming real-world testing with industry partners, the platform’s design aims to streamline operations by reducing intermediary dependencies and automating key processes. Finally, the Communication provides insights into its adaptability to other industries facing comparable supply chain challenges, presenting an approach focused on enhancing trust and reducing reliance on intermediaries.

Lin Wang, Zeng Yu, Yongshun Xu, Ming Chi · 5 authors

In the era of globalization, enhancing construction supply chain resilience (CSCR) has become essential. Traditional supply chains face issues like information asymmetry, trust deficits, and inefficiencies, weakening their resilience. Blockchain offers a solution by improving transparency, trust, and coordination, but its impact on CSCR remains unclear. This study addresses the gap by developing a moderated mediation model to explore how blockchain influences CSCR through supply chain integration and the moderating role of environmental uncertainty. Data from 310 senior managers in Chinese construction firms were analyzed using structural equation modeling. The results showed that blockchain significantly improves CSCR, mediated by operational, informational, and relational integration, particularly under high uncertainty environments. The findings highlight blockchain’s potential to strengthen CSCR and provide theoretical insights into its mechanisms, offering practical guidance for construction companies to enhance supply chain processes through blockchain implementation.

Syed Abdul Rehman Khan, Adnan Ahmed Sheikh, Ibrahim Rashid Al Shamsi, Yu Zhang

In today’s fast-paced business settings, the metaverse as a shared marketplace has gained popularity and is helping businesses to develop crucial business strategies in their pursuit of sustainable performance. However, a lack of understanding and knowledge about the effectiveness of the metaverse and its related technologies creates a barrier. Therefore, the current study fills this gap and uses organizational information-processing theory to develop the theoretical framework to examine metaverse-related technologies (artificial intelligence and blockchain technology—BCT) and their direct and indirect effects on sustainable business performance, which no other study has examined. Using purposive sampling, the sample data from 326 SMEs were gathered and analyzed using a partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). This study’s findings revealed that AI capabilities are vital for information gathering, analyzing, and decision-making in the metaverse context. BCT facilitates ensuring a transparent, visible, traceable, and immutable supply chain, which helps make it more resilient and improves the closed-loop supply chain (CLSC) system with positive technological advancements and significant effects on increasing sustainable business performance (SBP). This study’s findings help organizations understand the potential benefits of AI-enabled SMEs’ presence in the metaverse. The current investigation provides a strategy for managers to gain a competitive advantage, make the supply chain more robust, and enhance overall business performance.

Kejing Lin

With the government’s emphasis on the blockchain and supply chain industry and increased policy support, the field shows a bright future. Nonetheless, the traditional supply chain finance model faces numerous challenges. This paper aims to explore how blockchain technology can be utilized to mitigate and control credit risk in supply chain finance. It will also detail the principles and characteristics of blockchain technology, including its decentralized architecture, encryption algorithms, resistance to tampering, smart contract functionalities, and more. At the same time, this paper will also analyse the shortcomings of traditional supply chain finance. Distributed ledger technology is utilized through blockchain to ensure the transparency and traceability of information, while smart contracts optimize the credit execution and supervision process, playing a key role in preventing and controlling credit risks. The article concludes by proposing innovative strategies based on blockchain technology, including constructing a credit information sharing platform, improving the credit assessment model, and establishing a risk early warning and monitoring system, with the aim of improving the efficiency and credit level of supply chain management and further promoting the healthy development of supply chain finance.

George Fernandez Raj A.

Blockchain technology, exemplified by platforms such as Ethereum and Bitcoin, is reshaping decentralised ecosystems and holds profound implications for socio-economic transformation within an increasingly volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) global environment. Yet, its broader adoption is hindered by challenges related to scalability, security, environmental sustainability, governance, and interoperability. This study, grounded in the Technology-Organisation-Environment (TOE) framework, critically investigates these multifaceted barriers and proposes strategic interventions to optimise blockchain deployment. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research integrates quantitative performance metrics with qualitative insights from expert interviews and case analyses. It evaluates Ethereum's transition to proof of stake (PoS), Bitcoin's evolving economic roles, and the expanding applications of blockchain in DeFi, asset tokenisation, and Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs). Further, it explores governance innovations, privacy safeguards, and the emerging threat of quantum computing. The study presents empirically grounded, theoretically informed recommendations to enhance blockchain's scalability, security, and compliance, fostering ethical, inclusive, and sustainable digital futures.

Rashad Mubarak Amanulla, Karma Sherif

Abstract The case explores Qatar’s efforts to combat accusations of greenwashing surrounding the 2022 FIFA World Cup by leveraging Alpha’s Istedama certification system and exploring the potential of blockchain, IoT, and AI technologies. Despite investing heavily in sustainability measures, Qatar faced skepticism regarding the authenticity of its claims, particularly in light of the event’s significant carbon footprint. Hamad, Alpha’s Chief Technology Officer, proposed integrating a suite of emerging technologies to enhance transparency and accountability in environmental auditing. A case study applying the three technologies to the waste management system revolutionizes waste tracking, using AI forecasting and blockchain-based verification to optimize waste management from collection to recycling. The system incentivizes responsible waste management and provides auditable, transparent certification through non-fungible tokens. While promising, the case raises questions about the feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and scalability of adopting technological solutions to address environmental sustainability concerns for mega-sport events. Can the technology foster transparency and build trust in the sustainability efforts of international sports organizations? How can we secure the collaboration of the different stakeholders involved?

Zeeshan Raza, Irfan Ul Haq, Erich Schikuta

No abstract is available for this record.

Vadym Derkach

Ports are facing growing demands to meet Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria, which brings forward considerable difficulties in managing data transparently and reliably. This paper investigates the potential of Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) to strengthen ESG practices within port operations by improving the clarity, traceability, and automation of emissions data. Through qualitative analysis of key case studies and a review of existing literature on DLT in maritime logistics, the research highlights how DLT offers a decentralized and tamper-resistant way to handle ESG data. At the same time, it addresses challenges related to technology scalability, integration with current systems, and gaining stakeholder support. The results offer important perspectives for ports and policymakers as they address these challenges, helping to promote sustainability and improve adherence to regulations in the global maritime industry.

Edmund-Philipp Schuster, Kelvin Fatt Kin Low

Abstract Decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs), like blockchains, were expected to revolutionize the economy by solving the principal–agent problem in the corporate form. Yet, the very first DAO (“The DAO”) suffered a catastrophic hack that led to the Ethereum blockchain’s forking. Despite this failure, and the 2022 crypto markets collapse, enthusiasm for DAOs as corporate alternatives persists in crypto circles. Nine years on, however, DAOs remain a niche structure with little traction outside crypto projects. This chapter posits that this is due to fundamental flaws in the case for DAOs as corporate replacements. Crypto proponents often dismiss centralization and opacity as wholly undesirable, overlooking their functional value in business organizations. They also fail to recognize that blockchain’s security, transparency, and predictability are narrowly bound and come at a cost, rendering DAOs poorly equipped to handle the risks organizations face in the real world. These trade-offs explain why DAOs are less a revolution, more naïve wishful thinking.

Abdul Jabbar, Pervaiz Akhtar, Syed Imran Ali

Abstract This study explores the interplay between blockchain-based smart contracts and big data analytics for the supply chain value creation of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). We implement our Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) procedure with the ganache blockchain, and addresses generated by the Metamask wallet. Each supply chain player in the blockchain is assigned a wallet address to observe the hashes created when data is added to the blockchain. Our findings unfold that supply chain value creation emphasises traceability, transparency, security, and profit maximisation interlocked with how effectively companies utilise big data collected through blockchain-based smart contracts. This subsequentially assists managers in using data types and a variety of analytics, spanning from descriptive, diagnostic, predictive, and prescriptive to cognitive analytics. This synergy between the blockchain and the types of analytics provides opportunities to identify new interactions and directions for future research.

Sarfaraz Gudumian, A. Lizy, S Jagadeeswari, S. Chinnadurai · 6 authors

Blockchain technology’s secure, decentralized platforms have revolutionized multiple industries. This paper discusses possible problems with employing blockchain technology to ensure security. This poses a question about scalability, privacy, and regulatory compliance. It suggests an approach to Blockchain-based Digital Signature Security Analysis (B-DSSA). This solution increases digital signature algorithms using the transparency and immutability of blockchain. This engineering makes it possible for electronic communications to be valid, intact and non-repudiated, making it applicable for secured settings like healthcare, finance, supply chain management etc. As results indicate, substantial advances have been made in preventing unauthorized access and tampering in digital transactions. By combining public and private blockchains, this method achieves scalability while protecting the privacy of sensitive data. This configuration makes it possible for real-time applications in healthcare and finance by optimizing resource utilization, maintaining high data integrity, and enabling speedier processing. Document signing systems, identity verification, and contract execution are some of the examples showing the flexibility and endurance of blockchain-based security solutions through B-DSSA. The paper reveals how blockchain technology may revolutionize the field of safety, leading to further research on marketing orientation issues.

Mushfiquddin Rafid, Tunazzina Binta Mostafa, Rejwanul Haque Wasi, Rupok Islam Avi

The Readymade Garments Industry of Bangladesh contributes about 80% of the export earnings and is currently positioned 2nd worldwide in exporting clothes and fabric industry. The competition within this industry is intensifying rapidly. In addition to fierce global competition labor union movements and higher-quality market demands are making it more challenging for brands to maintain their foothold. This study introduces strategies that may improve the resiliency of the supply chain in Bangladesh's Garments using AI and Big Data tools. About 3-4 case study designs are used in this study to compare the technological developments in Bangladesh's RMG industry with benchmark practices in China. Secondary sources such as case studies (HLA group, Alibaba, H&M, Zara), scholarly works, industry reports, and regulatory documents were used to gather data. The study shows China's adoption of advanced AI tools such as AI-based quality control cameras, Big Query to data analyze, blockchain platforms like Hyperledger Fabric, AI-generated digital patterns and Ethereum-based solutions, and physics-based simulators for garment modeling, which is contributing at an streamline operations, enhance transparency. On the other hand, Bangladesh has applied innovations like computer vision for quality inspections (Aamra vision by Amara technologies limited) and predictive analytics for supply chain planning and many . Development is still hampered by inadequate investment in digital technologies, a lack of qualified personnel, and inadequate infrastructure. Bangladesh's apparel and garments industry can improve supply chain resilience, lower costs, and improve compliance with international standards by giving targeted investments in AI and big data and making them a top priority. To ensure sustainability and long-term competitiveness, this study offers policymakers, governments and business executives practical suggestions for unlocking the full potential of AI and big data.

Mir Mehedi Rahman, Bishwo Prakash Pokharel, Sayed Abu Sayeed, Sujan Bhowmik · 6 authors

In the evolving landscape of cybersecurity, traditional information technology (IT) infrastructures often struggle to meet the demands of modern risk management frameworks, which require enhanced security, scalability, and analytical capabilities. This paper proposes a novel artificial intelligence (AI)–driven IT infrastructure backed by blockchain technology, specifically designed to optimize risk management processes in diverse organizational environments. By leveraging artificial intelligence for predictive analytics, anomaly detection, and data-driven decision-making, combined with blockchain’s secure and immutable ledger for data integrity and transparency, the proposed infrastructure offers a robust solution to existing challenges in risk management. The infrastructure is adaptable and scalable to support a variety of risk management methodologies, providing a more secure, efficient, and intelligent system. The findings highlight significant improvements in the accuracy, speed, and reliability of risk management, underscoring the infrastructure’s capability to proactively address emerging cyber threats. To ensure the proposed model effectively addresses the most critical issues, the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) technique will be used to analyze and evaluate the interrelationships among the existing critical factors. This approach evaluates the interrelationships and impacts of these factors, verifying the model’s comprehensiveness in managing organizational risk. This study lays the foundation for future research aimed at refining AI-driven infrastructures and exploring their broader applications in enhancing organizational cybersecurity.

Jiahui Liang

Cross-border logistics, as a key index connecting the economic activities of different countries and regions, has become increasingly important. However, cross-border logistics industry has faced challenges such as information asymmetry, data silos, and high fraud risks, which seriously constrain the productiveness and credibility of the supply chain, increase logistics costs, and affect customer experience. As a new direction of information technology development, blockchain technology (BT) provides an innovative path to solve these problems with its unique advantages of decentralization, tamper-proof data, high transparency, and traceability. This article proposes a BT-based cross-border logistics data sharing and exchange model. This model achieves real-time sharing and full traceability of logistics information through the distributed ledger technology of blockchain, breaking down data silos and enhancing the authenticity and credibility of data. The experimental results show that the proposed cross-border logistics data sharing and exchange model enhances supply chain transparency, fosters trust among stakeholders, reduces logistics costs, and boosts customer satisfaction.