Abstract

Considering the recognition of blockchain as a promising technology to bring transparency in increasingly global and complex supply chains, this study performs a review to individuate themes throughout the academic literature on the use of blockchain for supply chain traceability, with a focus on the business and management implications. Two themes in the academic literature were identified through a thematic analysis. The first theme addresses the benefits of using blockchain technology for supply chain traceability, which can be articulated in three sub-themes: one benefit regards transparency enabled by blockchain technology and its positive impact on trust between supply chain stakeholders; the second addresses the benefits stemming from an increase in consumers’ trust about the product’s originality and safety given by blockchain technology; the third focuses on how this technology fosters supply chains’ effectiveness in their resilience, performance, and sustainability. The second theme addresses the drivers and barriers to the firms’ intention to use blockchain technology for supply chain traceability. Based on these findings, managerial and policy implications are presented and suggestions for future research are provided.