Blockchain Technology and the Implementation in the Supply Chain: Occuring Barriers : A multiple case study

Abstract: Aim of the research is to investigate, on basis of four different perspectives, which barriers inhibit the implementation of blockchain technology in the supply chain. Method used is a multiple case-study based on a qualitative research strategy using an inductive research approach. Therefore, ten semi-structured interviews were conducted with respondents who have specific knowledge of the supply chain, digitalisation and blockchain. Result & Conclusions shows that the barriers which hinder the implementation of blockchain technology into the supply chain, are of human and system origin. Furthermore, interconnections and influences between the barriers were identified. It was shown that based on the current state of implementations in the supply chain, the barriers occur predominantly in the preliminary phase of implementation. Suggestions for further research is to conduct a single case study based on the barriers identified in this study, exploring change management approaches to overcome the barriers. In addition, a single case study can investigate industry specific barriers. Based on this, research can be carried out to examine the different classifiable barriers with regard to the three phases of implementation. Contribution of the thesis to the international literature is the empirical research of the barriers occurring in the context of implementing the blockchain into diverse supply chains. It also indicates the origins of the examined barriers and how they affect each other. Keywords: blockchain technology; supply chain management; technology implementation; barriers; interconnections