A critical assessment of opportunities and challenges from Blockchain adoption in supply chain management

This dissertation explores the role of blockchain technology within the domain of supply chain management. The research navigates the promising and rapidly evolving landscape of blockchain technology, marked by ongoing challenges and supply chain developments. The study comprises four distinct yet interlinked examinations, each focusing on specific aspects of blockchain application in supply chain management, encompassing traceability, transaction costs, digital freight information, and the inherent tensions in blockchain implementations. In an environment where global supply chain management is undergoing significant digital transformation, blockchain key technology with high potential for transformative change. This research explores this potential, examining how blockchain can revolutionize supply chain practices, while acknowledging and addressing the complexities and challenges inherent in blockchain adoption. From a practical standpoint, the dissertation investigates the feasibility and challenges in implementing blockchain technology for enhanced traceability and information sharing in supply chains. It scrutinizes the efficacy of blockchain in diverse scenarios, including food supply chains and global shipping, and contemplates its relation to new regulatory requirements like the EU's regulation on electronic freight transport information. Within the growing interest and theoretical discussions on blockchain's capabilities, this dissertation bridges the gap between conceptual promise and practical application. It critically assesses the limitations and challenges in actual blockchain implementations, marked by scalability issues, governance dilemmas, and the tension between transparency and privacy. Through this exploration, the dissertation provides an understanding of blockchain's role in supply chain management, revealing a landscape where transformative potential coexists with pragmatic challenges. This comprehensive study serves as a valuable resource for managers, policymakers, and researchers, offering insights for strategic planning and future explorations in the field of blockchain and supply chain management.