Abstract
Background: Companies partaking in modern supply chains face numerous intra- and interorganizational barriers when it comes to the adoption of blockchain technology. Empirical research is missing that explores how exactly these barriers can be overcome. In this paper we first explore barriers that organizations need to overcome to successfully deploy blockchain technology. In a second step, we investigate the agrifood industry and highlight differences in coping strategies between incumbents and start-ups. Methods: We conducted a quantitative survey with 190 supply chain experts to identify barriers and an in-depth qualitative study that included 10 expert interviews to better understand the current situation in agrifood organizations. Results: The findings from the quantitative study show that the most relevant organizational barrier to blockchain adoption is the widespread lack of understanding of the technology and its potential benefits. In the qualitative study we illustrate how various intra- and interorganizational barriers can be overcome and how the resources and capabilities differ between incumbents and start-ups. Conclusions: Our results provide academics with a better understanding of the relevant barriers and bridges of blockchain adoption. Practitioners benefit from learning about the resources and capabilities they need to deploy in order to benefit from blockchain technology.
Highlights
The effective and efficient management of supply chains is a complex task whose practical implications extend far beyond increasing companies’ operational performance or profits
We first present the results from our quantitative survey among 190 supply chain experts to answer RQ1a and RQ1b regarding the nature of intraand interorganizational barriers related to general blockchain adoption and organizational readiness
We present the findings from a qualitative survey among agrifood industry professionals to identify the resources companies in the agrifood industry can use to overcome the respective barriers (RQ2)
Summary
The effective and efficient management of supply chains is a complex task whose practical implications extend far beyond increasing companies’ operational performance or profits. Opacity and inefficiencies in supply chains cause the perishing of agrifood products, which leads to substantial waste and even poisoning with potentially fatal consequences for human beings. Recent examples of the latter are listed on dedicated websites that showcase outbreaks of E.coli, salmonella, or campylobacter, all of which were caused by tainted food [1]. In the qualitative study we illustrate how various intra- and interorganizational barriers can be overcome and how the resources and capabilities differ between incumbents and start-ups. Practitioners benefit from learning about the resources and capabilities they need to deploy in order to benefit from blockchain technology
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