Systematic mapping of blockchain-sustainability nexus and development of a holistic framework

In this research, the authors analysed the intellectual structure of the blockchain-sustainability nexus by conducting bibliometric and thematic synthesis. The authors used the SPAR-4-SLR protocol to examine 60 highly relevant peer-reviewed articles in the Scopus database. In contrast to large-scale bibliometric reviews, in which the dataset volume is the primary consideration, this purposive sample was chosen to enable theoretical saturation and thorough thematic synthesis. It identifies seven fundamental clusters in its analysis, namely supply chain transparency, energy efficiency, economic inclusion, industry innovation, circular economy, socio-environmental sustainability, and standards integration. The replacement of descriptive mapping with a propositional framework, defined as a systematic arrangement of findings into predictors, mediators, and moderators, to guide further empirical testing. More importantly, the review has found an energy paradox and managerial capture in the existing literature, in which technological efficiency gains are often undermined by the energy-intensive nature of consensus mechanisms, which are estimated to consume around 1% of the world’s total power. Moreover, this study introduces an innovative, comprehensive methodology that links predictors and outcomes (such as alignment with Sustainable Development Goals), in contrast to previous assessments that utilised broader datasets or had more specific focuses. The results indicate that blockchain can bring transparency, but the effect of its sustainability will depend on regulators moderating the effect and the shift to green consensus protocols. This paper offers a variable-based research agenda to shift the field of study from speculative optimism to the realm of critical and testable theory.