This study examines the use of blockchain technology in ESG reporting, with a focus on carbon emissions accounting within supply chains. Using a design science methodology, it develops a blockchain-based framework that integrates automated data collection, verification, and analysis. The framework enables precise tracking of carbon emissions, enhances compliance with ESG standards, and resolves key issues like data reliability and standardization. Results show improved reporting accuracy through immutable data records and automated verification processes. This advancement allows organizations to optimize decision-making, reduce carbon footprints, and achieve sustainability goals. The study contributes theoretically by introducing an innovative blockchain-integrated ESG reporting model and practically by offering a validated framework for companies to streamline carbon accountability and improve ESG compliance.
Jun Chen, Asma-Qamaliah Abdul-Hamid, Suhaiza Zailani
Although the potential of the blockchain has been extensively recognized by scholars and practitioners across multiple fields, research on its adoption in the framework of the circular economy (CE) is still scarce. In this context, this study extends the technology acceptance model (TAM) by integrating the technologyâorganizationâenvironment (TOE) framework to holistically understand how technological perception factors (perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use) interact with organizational and environmental factors in influencing the intention to adopt the blockchain in the CE within the context of the Chinese automotive supply chain. Based on survey data from 305 respondents from Chinese automotive companies, the proposed hybrid TOE-TAM conceptual model was validated. The results indicate that, except for the effects of the knowledge management capability on the perceived ease of use and regulatory support on blockchain adoption intention, all of the other hypotheses are deemed significant. Moreover, by conducting an in-depth analysis of the evolution of blockchain adoption intention in the CE, this study not only deepens the understanding of how the technology is disseminated but also provides valuable insights to theory and practice within the Chinese automotive value chain.
ABSTRACT We examine the potential of blockchain technology for carbon financing by organizations and within supply chains. Blockchain can provide transparent, trustworthy, secure, and efficient carbonârelated transactions. Signaling and attribution theories inform the study that uses choiceâbased conjoint (CBC) experimentation to evaluate offsetting and insetting carbon finance investment scenarios. Factors on project attributesâincluding price, the scope of carbon finance project, blockchain adoption level, and stakeholder involvementârelationships to managerial investment decisions are investigated. We also investigate an important question on whether managerial ecological value propensity affects investment decisions and blockchain adoption preferences. The findings show that contrary to original suppositions, price was not as influential as presumed. Of greater concern to managerial decisions is the nature of carbon initiativesâthe decision on whether to pursue carbon offsetting and/or insetting investments. Managerial environmental values significantly influenced decisions on carbon finance investmentsâwith a preference for carbon reduction projects within their own supply chains. There is also an inclination for greater blockchain technology usage in carbon investment projects. Managers with greater ecological values were also more open to involving external parties favoring the adoption more extensive blockchain solutions. These results highlight blockchain's importance in making carbon finance projects more credible and trustworthy. Practically, the study highlights the importance of carbon finance project scope, nature, and blockchain technology in promoting sustainability initiatives. There are insights into a nuanced approach to addressing complexities of carbon finance within organizations and their supply chains.
Matilde Messina, Mohammad H. Eslami, JoaquĂn Cestino
Blockchain research has proliferated in recent years, attracting more attention from academics and practitioners. However, the current body of management literature is widely scattered and lacks a comprehensive view of how the use of blockchain in organisations impacts environmental and social sustainability. To bridge this gap, our review comprehensively examines 238 academic papers sourced from the Scopus database, synthesising previous research on the convergence of blockchain and sustainability. Employing a systematic approach and incorporating bibliometric analysis, our study provides an analysis of the current management research landscape concerning blockchain and sustainability. Our study yields a comprehensive model comprising the antecedents, blockchain mechanisms, and sustainability outcomes of the use of blockchain in organisations. Based on our literature review, we establish a future research agenda and provide practical implications.
J. Gregory Jenkins, Eric M. Negangard, Mark D. Sheldon
ABSTRACT Global markets are moving toward requiring firms to track and report greenhouse gas emissions across their value chain. This includes self-generated emissions (i.e., Scope 1), emissions from power providers (i.e., Scope 2), and emissions from upstream suppliers and downstream parties (i.e., Scope 3). Yet, obtaining reliable emissions data is a complex task that often relies on cumbersome legacy processes and becomes especially challenging with upstream and downstream emissions. Using the Design Science Research Methodology, we propose and prototype (early-stage) a technological solution that uses blockchain, non-fungible tokens, and smart contracts to track and report greenhouse gas emissions across a firmâs value chain. The proposed model demonstrates how these tools can create a reliable classification and provenance of emissions that all value chain members can access for reporting purposes. Experts in the field evaluate the proposed model, find it technologically feasible, and call attention to some of its challenges. JEL Classifications: C81; P28; Q51; Q55; Q56.
Abstract This research explores the contribution of Blockchain Technology and Industry 5.0 in driving sustainability within Bangladeshi Ready-Made Garments (RMG) industry, with a focus on alignment with key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The study employs Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) and fuzzy Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) methods to identify and analyze 14 critical synergies that can drive sustainability. The ISM analysis categorizes the synergies into independent, dependent, and linkage variables, providing insights into their roles and significance within the system. Fuzzy DEMATEL further refines this understanding by evaluating the direct and indirect relationships among the linkage synergies. Key findings reveal the importance of synergies such as reverse logistics and recycling, supply chain collaboration & visibility and ethical practices in driving sustainability. This research contributes by offering a detailed analysis of how the synergy between Blockchain technology and Industry 5.0 can enhance sustainability practices in the RMG industry, providing actionable insights into the technological transformation of supply chain dynamics in support of global sustainability targets.
Purpose Given the sudden disruption caused by COVID-19, knowledge sharing between organizations has become a meaningful way to improve supply chain resilience. However, there is still a lack of in-depth research on how to reduce the threat to knowledge sharing caused by increased levels of relational risk. With the emergence of new digital technologies, whether blockchain governance can control relational risk and replace traditional relational governance remains to be demonstrated. Design/methodology/approach This study uses a cross-sectional survey approach in which quantitative data are collected from 300 participants from Chinese manufacturing enterprises to test the hypotheses. Findings The results show that relational and blockchain governance can significantly and complementarily reduce the level of relational risk in knowledge sharing. When the relational risk is at a low, medium or high level, the best matches of relational and blockchain governance are low-level relational governanceâlow-level blockchain governance, high-level relational governanceâlow-level blockchain governance and high-level relational governanceâhigh-level blockchain governance, respectively. Practical implications The findings of this study have important practical implications for manufacturing enterprises in terms of how to choose reasonable governance modes to manage relational risk behaviour according to different relational risk levels to better understand the positive role of knowledge sharing in supply chain resilience. Originality/value The antecedent variables of knowledge sharing in previous studies are based on transaction cost theory or relational theory and have not moved beyond the original theoretical framework. This paper addresses this limitation, puts knowledge sharing in the academic context of digital technology, considers blockchain governance into the process of relational risk-knowledge sharing and defines blockchain governance, which is a novel approach in the supply chain resilience management literature.
Purpose Made-in-India tyres are rapidly integrating into global supply chains due to a globally coordinated regulatory environment and aspiring for value creation and contribution to circularity. However, it is not clear what are the constituent components of emerging technologies like blockchain that can facilitate value creation and how they are associated. Therefore, this study intends to explore the elements of blockchain technology and how they create value to bring circularity to a tyre supply chain. Design/methodology/approach This study employed a survey-based quantitative methodology to test the theoretical framework of blockchain-enabled circular supply chains using non-parametric regression analysis. A total of 307 responses from India-based supply chain professionalsâ data were collected from September 2022 to January 2023 to perform non-parametric regression analysis. Findings The results indicated that blockchain could improve visibility and accessibility by having value-creation capabilities of data collection, monitoring, processing and analysis to facilitate the circular tyre supply chain which focuses on recycling, reusing, reducing and rethinking initiatives. Further, accessibility contributes more than visibility to creating value toward a blockchain-enabled tyre circular supply chain. Originality/value First, this study employs a grounded theory-driven approach in identifying and testing a framework through hierarchical regression. This study identifies the role of blockchain technology in unfolding visibility and accessibility towards value creation, enhancing circularity in the supply chains in complex and critical industries such as tyres in India and across the globe.
This paper examines the effect of overconfidence on financial decisions in a capital-constrained distribution channel where an upstream supplier with sufficient working capital produces goods for a downstream retailer who has limited working capital and may request trade credit from the upstream supplier. We obtain several interesting results. First, in a centralized financially constrained channel (CFCC) setting, we show that overconfidence has the results that both the optimal order quantity is tied to the mean of the uncertain market demand and that the supply chain is worse off. Second, in a decentralized financially constrained channel (DFCC) setting, the optimal order quantity with overconfidence is either higher or lower than that without overconfidence. When the retailer needs to ask for trade credit from the supplier, overconfidence means that the retailerâs order quantity is less affected by the wholesale price. We further numerically show that under market demand uncertainty, overconfidence may benefit a DFCC composed of an overconfident supplier and retailer. We also analyze the impacts of varying overconfidence levels on our results and find that the retailer may benefit when the retailer is more overconfident than the supplier.
This study introduces a system using Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) to track and report carbon emissions in supply chains accurately. It addresses the problem of double counting, which occurs when the same emissions are recorded multiple times due to product segmentation and integration. Our system uses blockchain technology to ensure NFTs are traceable and tamper-proof, enhancing data reliability. The system includes three types of NFTs: Parent NFTs (P-NFTs) for energy and raw material data, Child NFTs (C-NFTs) for manufacturing emissions, and Integration NFTs (I-NFTs) that compile the carbon footprint of final products. This method improves accurate emission tracking and transparency across the supply chain.
This research examines the possibility of smart contracts in the blockchain concerning the improvement of sustainable supply chain management. Blockchain is a practical solution for increasing supply chain transparency and solving the most important problems, including the use of traceability for fraud prevention and compliance. The study uses a consecutive approach which involves case studies, analytical work, and simulation to assess the effects of blockchain on sustainability dimensions. As highlighted in the findings above, there were significant reductions in the time taken to achieve traceability, in fraud, as well as an improvement in ethical sourcing compliance. If applied, smart contracts strategically anchored on the blockchain technology can be deemed as a sustainable solution to supply chain issues. To build on the existing knowledge, further studies should investigate strategies used to mitigate failure threats that hinder the reaping of benefits from the technology.
The paradigm shift in accounting and reporting is governed by rapidly emerging technologies. Companies are increasingly relying on Distributed Ledger Technology of Blockchain which has enhanced trust, accountability, and transparency to fulfil the requirements of various stakeholders. Sustainability Reporting is one such area which has benefitted greatly from using blockchain as it enables the business to open up the ESG process and deliver information to various stakeholders about how they are meeting the requirements. This research represents a bibliometric analysis of articles on blockchain in sustainability reporting. In this chapter, a detailed analysis has been done on top publication venues, publication trends, and most influential publications as well as likely promising areas in the same field of research, using Visualization of Similarities viewer software for mapping of bibliometric data. This research attempts to provide a good base for literature study for the upcoming research as well as to find a relevant research gap.
Yavuz Selim BalcıoÄlu, Ahmet Alkan Ăelik, Erkut AltındaÄ
The integration of blockchain technology into supply chain management (SCM) has emerged as a revolutionary force transforming traditional business operations. This study uses bibliometric analysis on 1069 articles from the Scopus database, using text mining and Python to uncover predominant themes and research trends at the intersection of blockchain and SCM. The key findings revealed three main thematic groups: âblockchain to improve transparency and traceability in SCMâ (supported by 323 articles), âimpact of blockchain on supply chain efficiency and cost reductionâ (295 articles), and âblockchain-enabled supply chain resilienceâ (191 articles). Furthermore, text mining highlighted prominent themes such as âdecentralized supply chain networksâ (204 articles), âsmart contracts for automated processes in SCMâ (234 articles), and âblockchain for sustainable supply chain practicesâ (227 articles). The inclusion of sustainability themes reflects the growing importance of environmentally conscious strategies within supply chains, driven by the capacity of blockchain to reduce waste, and promote resource efficiency. The study identifies critical literature gaps, advocating for further exploration of the socio-economic impacts of blockchain on SCM. The topic extraction suggests new directions for SCM theory, while the role of blockchain in fostering sustainable and ethical supply chains is underscored. Practically, blockchain and IoT emerge as pivotal in the advancement of SCM, with text mining offering industry foresight and emphasizing blockchain-driven resilient strategies. Limitations include reliance on a single database and the recommendation that future studies incorporate diverse sources and qualitative insights. The findings provide a roadmap for academics and practitioners, highlighting potential avenues in SCM, especially in the context of sustainable and ethical practices.
Bodo Steiner, ĐĐœĐœĐ° ĐĐ°ĐșĐ°ŃĐ”ĐœĐșĐŸ, Kateryna Yuhai
Sustainability transparency in agri-food value chains is crucial for fostering accountability, enhancing consumer trust, facilitating compliance with regulatory standards, and ultimately contributing to the resilience and sustainability of food systems in the face of social, environmental, and economic challenges. This paper aims to conduct bibliometric mapping and a systematic review of the scientific landscape concerning transparency of sustainability disclosure in agri-food value chains by identifying the key transparency dimensions and relevant research gaps. An analysis of 841 Scopus-indexed publications, utilizing Scopus tools, SciVal, VOS Viewer, and Biblioshiny software, yields insights into source and author mapping from 2000 to 2022. Bibliometric analysis underlines the increase in research interests in transparency of sustainability disclosure in agri-food value chains after Sustainable Development Goals adoption and the COVID-19 pandemic, following upwards trend, especially in the UK, India, and the USA. The most influential topic clusters are supply chain, environmentally preferable purchasing, and green practices, as well as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Internet of Things with the strongest co-occurrences between transparency (as the most recent notion in scientific landscape) and sustainability, traceability, supply chains, food supply, and blockchain. Systematic review highlights the evidence that transparency as boundary-spanning phenomenon is explored within the mono-country and chain researches, case studies and interviews methodologies from triple bottom line dimension mainly, only introducing governance criteria. Research gaps were identified regarding the role of transparency in different economic system and chains; sustainability conceptual framework used; transparency dimensions incorporation; technology-driven progress and other chain characteristics (traceability, resilience) intersection. AcknowledgmentsInna Makarenko is gratefully acknowledging the support of MSCA4Ukraine project no. 1233713.This project has received funding through the MSCA4Ukraine project, which is funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the MSCA4Ukraine Consortium as a whole nor any individual member institutions of the MSCA4Ukraine Consortium can be held responsible for them.
In nations facing international pressures, such as sanctions, leaders should attempt to utilize advanced technologies more effectively, while fostering the skills and intelligence of the human resources, and enhancing public confidence in the use of emerging technologies in Industry 5.0. In this article our goal is to investigate the effect of acceptance and use of cryptocurrencies on the circular economy. The theoretical contribution of this research is to enrich the literature related to the factors affecting the adoption of digital currencies and its impact on the circular economy. Also, due to the importance of technology awareness in Industry 5, its effect on the adoption of digital currencies was evaluated. For several decades, Iran has been exposed to political and economic sanctions by the United Nations Security Council, the US, and the European Union (EU). Given the importance of natural resources in Iran's economy, and the presence of barriers regarding financial transactions, all manufacturing companies working in Iran were selected as the statistical population of the current study. The findings showed that variables like the realized ease of use, the realized efficiency, trust, technological intelligence and social influence have been effective on the acceptance and use of cryptocurrencies. Also, use of cryptocurrencies in manufacturing companies has had effect on the circular economy activities. The other research results revealed that the factor of economic sanction in the studied society might have effect on the use of cryptocurrencies and consequently companiesâ circular economy. The policy-makers active in the field of the environment, and also managers of manufacturing companies by creating an infrastructure for financial exchange based on digital currency can provide the needed ground for production in line with the environment and sustainable resource management.
Woon Leong Lin, Nelvin Xe Chung Leow, Wai Mun Lim, Ming Kang Ho · 6 authors
Abstract This investigation explores the integration of blockchain technology (BCT) with circular economy (CE) principles within the automotive sector, leveraging a dataset from the years 2011 to 2019. Employing advanced analytical techniques, including machine learning models and the system generalized method of moments (GMM), the study meticulously assesses BCT's impact on CE practices over the specified period. The dataset, curated from esteemed sources such as CSRHub, Thomson Reuters, and Bloomberg, enhances the reliability and validity of our analysis. Results indicate a positive influence of BCT on the adoption and effectiveness of CE practices in the automotive industry, suggesting that CE practices can bolster firm performance. Notably, the analysis reveals that support vector machines (SVM) and neural networks (NNs) exhibit superior efficacy over the random forest (RF) model in capturing the nuances of the BCTâCE interplay. This is evidenced by their lower rootâmeanâsquare error (RMSE) and mean absolute error (MAE), signifying greater predictive accuracy. The findings illuminate BCT's potential to revolutionize CE practices, optimize resource use, and foster sustainability in the automotive field.
Abstract The intersection of blockchain technology and circular economy (CE) practices holds significant potential for enhancing sustainability, transparency, and efficiency. This study conducts a comprehensive bibliometric analysis to explore the current research landscape in this domain. Key findings indicate a rapid growth in publications, highlighting a burgeoning interest in leveraging blockchain for CE initiatives. The analysis identifies critical approaches such as enhancing supply chain transparency, improving resource management, and facilitating product lifecycle tracking. However, the integration of blockchain into CE practices presents challenges, including technical complexities, scalability issues, and regulatory hurdles. Addressing these challenges requires interdisciplinary and crossâsectoral collaboration, as well as continuous research and innovation. Future research should focus on the integration of emerging technologies with blockchain, longitudinal studies on longâterm impacts, socioâeconomic implications, and the development of regulatory frameworks. This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by providing unique insights and outlining potential research directions at the intersection of blockchain and CE.
Blockchain technologies and paradigms can provide new ground for the management of complex socio-technical problems like supply chains. The contribution of this work is a work-in-progress experimental setting to demonstrate the effectiveness of a novel distributed business process management scheme that integrates the RMAS (Relational-model Multi Agent System) and the Blockchain frameworks. The research work is conducted in a food supply chain case study aiming to sustainability and social good through a purposeful organisation of the autonomous behaviour of the actors in the system.
Blockchain technology, brought into existence in the year 2008 by Satoshi Nakamoto, is an open and distributed ledger tool offering secure and permanent storage of transactions. It offers decentralized control of transactions. Over the period, three different versions of blockchain have been developed. It is widely used in sectors like healthcare, education, etc. Circular economy is such a production and consumption ecosystem that focuses on waste reduction, reuse, and recycling. The present study tries to analyze the avant-garde state of blockchain technology's application for circular economy by adopting a bibliometric and systematic approach. Taking a filtered sample of 1339 papers from Scopus database, bibliometric analysis was conducted with an aim to understand the evolution of blockchain's usage in circular economy. Later, systematic review of the relevant papers is done that highlighted major prospects and barriers to blockchain's adoption. The study also cites present applications of blockchain by corporates and governments. Finally, it concludes with suggestions for blockchain's better adoption. The present study is one of its kind, true to the knowledge of the authors. Such bibliometric analysis combined with systematic review is an outcome of the original work of the authors. The combined results of the two reviews have not yet been done in the field of study.