Understanding critical barriers to the adoption of blockchain technology in the logistics context: An interpretive structural modelling approach

Abstract

Blockchain technology has promising benefits and provides robust solutions for managing business processes. While prior studies have primarily explored its potential in supporting logistics and supply chain management, many practitioners still lack a clear understanding of how to leverage blockchain technology, hindering its adoption within the industry. Bridging this gap and addressing critical barriers requires further empirical research. This study adopts a comprehensive approach, identifying potential barriers through a literature review and validating their significance through the Index of Item-Objective Congruence (IOC). The study then delves into the interrelationships among the significant barriers, utilising Interpretive Structural Modelling (ISM) and MICMAC methods. The results highlight seven significant barriers within the logistics sector, encompassing a lack of government support, operational standards, top management support, limited public awareness, trust issues, technical challenges, and network collaboration difficulties. Notably, the lack of public awareness and inadequate governmental support form fundamental obstacles that drive various challenges. This research offers insights into the barriers that hinder the successful adoption of blockchain technology in logistics, proposing several mitigation strategies that are in line with the principles of open innovation.