Abstract
PurposeSome studies and reports have recently suggested using blockchain technology to improve transparency and trust in humanitarian supply chains (HSCs). However, evidence-based studies to display the utility and applicability of blockchains in HSCs are missing in the literature. This paper aims to investigate the key drivers and barriers of blockchain application to HSCs and explore whether evidence could support that the application of blockchain improves transparency and trust in HSCs.Design/methodology/approachThis paper puts forward a two-stage approach to explore the blockchain application in HSCs: an initial exploration of humanitarian practitioners and academicians interested in blockchain through focus group discussions; semi-structured interviews with practitioners involved at the UK Department for International Development's Humanitarian Supply Blockchain pilot project.FindingsFirst, we found that main drivers include accountability, visibility, traceability, trust, collaboration, time efficiency, reducing administrative work and cross-sector partnership. Main barriers, however, are composed of engagement issues, lack of technical skills and training, lack of resources, privacy concerns, regulatory problems, pilot scalability issues and governance challenges. Second, evidence from our case study revealed the blockchain application could have added value to improve visibility and traceability, thus contributing to improve transparency. Concerning trust, evidence supports that blockchain could enhance both commitment and swift trust in the pilot study.Practical implicationsOur study contributes to a more understanding of added values and challenges of blockchain application to HSCs and creates a perspective for humanitarian decision-makers.Originality/valueThis study provides the first evidence from the actual application of blockchain technology in HSCs. The study discovered that it is still less evident in many humanitarian organizations, including medium- and small-sized nongovernmental organizations, that they engage in a direct deployment of in-house or customized blockchain-based HSC. Instead, these actors are more likely to indirectly use blockchain in HSCs through a private commercial partner.
Highlights
In 2019, humanitarian reports indicated that over 100 million people worldwide were in need of aid, a number that has increased to nearly 120 million in 2020 (GHA, 2020)
Recent studies show that humanitarian supply chains (HSCs) still suffer from a lack of transparency and issues with trust which has led to duplicated efforts and operations deficiencies (Besiou and Van Wassenhove, 2020)
Findings from the case study we elaborate on the evidence concerning the added values and challenges of blockchain application in HSCs derived from the case study
Summary
In 2019, humanitarian reports indicated that over 100 million people worldwide were in need of aid, a number that has increased to nearly 120 million in 2020 (GHA, 2020). The HSC refers to the network of humanitarian organizations (HOs), their suppliers and logistics partners that are involved, through upstream and downstream linkages, in the different processes and activities that produce value in the form of supplies, cash and/or services in the hands of the affected communities (Kovacs and Spens, 2009). SC transparency refers to reporting to and communicating with stakeholders to provide traceability regarding the history of the products and visibility about current activities throughout the SC (Morgan et al, 2018). While HOs are under increasing pressure for enhancing traceability of relief items, donors and governments have repeatedly asked to see tangible results and called for improved information exchange between humanitarian stakeholders. The lack of trust and transparency has been cited frequently in the literature as main an obstacle for effective collaboration among humanitarian actors in disasters response (Moshtari, 2016)
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