Blockchain technology adoption for secured and carbon neutral logistics operations: barrier intensity index framework

Abstract

Around 196 countries committed to become part of United Nation’s Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC) through Paris Agreement and pledged to achieve carbon neutrality goals by 2050. The organizations have recognised the importance of digital technologies for achieving sustainable goals. To accelerate the transition to low-carbon energy systems, to best of author’s knowledge, this is the first attempt which addresses issues of BCT for decarbonization in logistics sector in developing economy using theories like TOE (technological, organizational and environmental) and IRT (Innovation resistance theory). A comprehensive literature review was undertaken using PRISMA to recognise the barriers linked to the blockchain technology adoption for reducing carbon emissions. To prioritize these barriers, inputs from ten experts belonging to different industry verticals and academics were taken. Ordinal Priority approach (OPA) is used to prioritise them. Further, the cause-and-effect relationship among the listed barriers is established using Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) technique. A real-life case illustration on Indian logistics company has been considered and the barrier intensity index is computed using Graph Theory Matrix approach (GTMA) for the case company. The results suggest that ‘Organizational Barriers’ are the most crucial category of barriers followed by ‘Environmental Barriers’. The results also show that the organizational barriers and environmental barriers belong to the cause group whereas technical and risk barriers are the part of the effect group. Based on the findings of GTMA, it has been observed that the overall barrier intensity index for the case company lies close to the centre of the worst and best theoretical values. The intensity index value will help case company to position themselves properly to formulate new strategies for secured and carbon neutral operations. Researchers and supply chain practitioners can devise new strategies and policies for achieving net zero goals by understanding the interplay between blockchain technology, organizational policies, and environmental outcomes. This research work can contribute to provide distinct perspective to look upon the BCT adoption issues in developing countries and can assist logistics industry stakeholders to plan and design new integrated BCT systems with carbon reduction initiatives.