The Impact of Blockchain Implementations on Supply Chain Collaboration

Blockchain technology is increasingly gaining attention from practitioners and academics in supply chain management due to its potential to enhance transparency, efficiency, and trust among trading partners. This study explores the impact of blockchain deployment on supply chain collaboration (SCC), with a focus on information sharing, trust, and commitment. Through a multiple case study of six companies, we found that while blockchain enhances information sharing by facilitating digital transformation in the supply chain, concerns about data privacy pose significant challenges. Moreover, blockchain technology can foster trust through immutable record keeping and automated smart contracts, alleviating concerns related to data tampering and enhancing the reliability of transactions. Commitment within SCC is also influenced by blockchain, as it requires joint investment in specific assets, thereby strengthening partnerships. However, asymmetric willingness to adopt blockchain, especially among smaller supply chain participants, may undermine these benefits. Our findings provide valuable insights into the strategic implementation of blockchain in supply chains and highlight the crucial balance needed between technology adoption and stakeholder engagement.