Supply network design to address United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: A case study of blockchain implementation in Thai fish industry

Abstract

Sustainable Development Goals present an opportunity for industries to (re)design their supply chains. It is understood that digital technologies like blockchain can be helpful in achieving certain Sustainable Development Goals linked to livelihoods, food security, and the environment, by identifying issues and implementing interventions in real-time. However, there is limited understanding over data structure requirements for blockchain technology implementation in digitally-enabled food supply chains. Therefore, this research studies the design of blockchain-centric food supply chains that promote Sustainable Development Goals, within the context of the Thai fish industry. Key findings suggest that data asymmetry exists in supply chains to achieve Sustainable Development Goals. This research presents four design principles and an integrated technology implementation framework, derived from empirical data, for blockchain-centric food supply chains. The research outcome contributes to the supply chain management field and could ultimately impact the resilience of fishery ecosystems and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals.