Exploring blockchain adoption intentions in the supply chain: perspectives from innovation diffusion and institutional theory

Abstract

Purpose

Despite blockchain's potential supply chain benefits, few organizations have moved beyond pilot projects. The paper aims to explore blockchain adoption intentions for supply chain applications using two theoretical perspectives: innovation diffusion theory (IDT) and institutional theory (IT).

Design/methodology/approach

Based on theory, five propositions were developed addressing the intention to adopt blockchain. The propositions were tested using scenario-based experiments with supply chain professionals. To provide additional insights, interviews with 21 supply chain professionals in 15 organizations representing 8 industries were content analyzed.

Findings

Experiments suggest that the intention to adopt blockchain is higher when there are government regulations regarding product origin, organizations are using updated cloud-based information systems and organizations are working with third-party consultants. The content analysis suggests that organizations that face normative pressures to adopt blockchain supply chain applications and recognize blockchain's relative advantage, compatibility and complexity are more likely to be actively seeking information about and adopting blockchain supply chain applications. The authors synthesize findings and provide new propositions to guide future research.

Originality/value

Using a multi-method approach, the study provides an important window into supply chain managers' perceptions of the necessary conditions to support organization-level blockchain adoption. The findings also indicate key characteristics present in supply chain networks poised for blockchain adoption.

Citation

Hartley, J.L., Sawaya, W. and Dobrzykowski, D. (2022), "Exploring blockchain adoption intentions in the supply chain: perspectives from innovation diffusion and institutional theory", International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, Vol. 52 No. 2, pp. 190-211. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJPDLM-05-2020-0163