供应链透明度

The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of blockchain technology in enhancing transparency, traceability, and trust in supply chain management. It examines how blockchain can address challenges like counterfeit products, lack of visibility, and unethical practices, providing a secure and transparent record of supplychain transactions. The study is a conceptual analysis of blockchain’s capabilities and limitations in the supply chain. It investigates blockchain’s features—decentralization, immutability, and consensus mechanisms—and their potential to improve supply chain transparency and traceability. The paper also addresses barriers to adoption, such as cost, scalability, and regulatory compliance. Blockchain technology can significantly improve supply chain management by enhancing transparency, traceability, fraud reduction, and consumer trust. However, widespread adoption faces challenges due to high implementation costs, scalability concerns, and regulatory compliance issues This paper adds to the existing literature by analyzing blockchain’s potential to transform supply chains into a more transparent, ethical, and consumer-friendly model. It highlights both the benefits and limitations of blockchain in supply chain management, offering insights into how it could reshape the industry by promoting transparency and accountability

Blockchain technology is increasingly redefining supply chain management paradigms with unprecedented levels of transparency, traceability, and trust in the USA. With increasingly complex supply networks worldwide, the integrity and real-time visibility of transactional information become vital for operational reliability and adherence. This study presents a data-driven examination of the ways distributed ledger technology (DLT), specifically blockchain, facilitates increased supply chain transparency across stakeholders through immutable record-keeping and verifiable sharing of data. The main goal of the current research was to create a synthesis of the secure, immutable nature of blockchain and the predictive and diagnostic power of machine learning (ML) to boost supply chain transparency. The dataset used in this work is formatted blockchain logs, extracted from a permissioned, distributed ledger system simulating a U.S.-based supply chain network. Every log entry stores transactional metadata, high-value data such as accurate timestamps of transactions, cryptographic verdicts, digital handovers between supply chain entities (suppliers, logistics providers, distributors), and route signatures, derived from geolocation-based smart contract activators. In the selection of suitable machine learning models, three classifiers that considered the multi-dimensionality of blockchain supply chain data were used. The training and validation approaches were tailored to maintain the models' robustness and generalizability. The dataset was divided into a 70/30 train-test split using stratified sampling to preserve the proportion of fraudulent versus non-fraudulent instances, guaranteeing that both subsets contained a balanced representation of the classes. By looking at the comparative bar plots of the performance of our models on our blockchain-based supply chain dataset, we observed that the Random Forest Classifier had a slightly greater accuracy and F1-score than the Logistic Regression and the XG-Boost Classifier. In the Food and Agriculture industry, supply chain analytics with blockchain technology can greatly improve traceability, specifically under United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) standards. At U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) checkpoints and international borders, blockchain solutions bring significant advancements in verification speed and counterfeit prevention.  By applying analytical tools against the recorded events and metadata, organizations in the USA not only track assets and events but also proactively discover potential risks, streamline processes, and gain a greater insight into their supply chain dynamics. Towards the future, some promising avenues of research open up with the combination of blockchain and machine learning. One such exciting area is the blending of smart contracts with automated responses. Lastly, federated learning among decentralized blockchain nodes is a pioneering line of research that might resolve the issues of sparsity and generalizability of the data and avoid the compromise of the decentralized nature of blockchain.

Developing ethical frameworks for sustainable food pricing is crucial in addressing the interconnected challenges of profitability, ethical food access, and supply chain transparency. This study presents a decision analysis model designed to evaluate the sustainability and ethics of food pricing strategies, with a strong emphasis on future stakeholder analysis. The model incorporates a systematic approach to balancing profitability with ethical considerations, focusing on transparent supply chain practices as a foundation for sustainable pricing decisions. By evaluating factors such as production costs, environmental impact, and fair labor practices, the model aims to create a comprehensive pricing strategy that promotes both ethical food access and corporate responsibility. To account for diverse stakeholder interests, this decision analysis model integrates key metrics from suppliers, producers, distributors, consumers, and regulatory bodies, facilitating a balanced approach that aligns with sustainable development goals (SDGs). Stakeholder analysis is central to this framework, enabling companies to predict potential reactions and adapt pricing strategies that support long-term economic, social, and environmental objectives. By analyzing data from multiple stages of the supply chain, the model fosters transparency and allows stakeholders to track how pricing decisions impact resource allocation, waste reduction, and fair trade practices. This approach addresses rising consumer demand for ethical consumption choices while offering companies insights into profitability impacts associated with sustainable practices. Furthermore, it provides an actionable pathway for food industry leaders to reconcile competing priorities, such as affordable pricing for consumers and adequate returns for producers. Implementing this framework can help foster a culture of accountability and sustainability across the food industry, enhancing brand reputation and encouraging ethical consumer behavior. In conclusion, this study’s decision analysis model for sustainable food pricing offers a viable tool to evaluate ethical and transparent pricing practices, highlighting how strategic stakeholder analysis can align profitability with responsible corporate behavior. This framework supports sustainable food pricing as a core element of ethical business practices in the global food industry.

Purpose This research investigates the impact of blockchain technology utilization (BTU) on corporate social responsibility (CSR) through the complementarity role of supply chain transparency (SCT) capabilities while also considering supplier risks.Design/methodology/approach This research tested hypotheses using covariance-based structural equation modeling using survey data from 197 managers who held decision-making responsibilities in supply chain operations.Findings The findings suggest that BTU improves CSR via increasing SCT. Supplier risk also plays a role, where engagement with risky suppliers magnifies the positive impact of BTU on SCT, mitigating risks and improving CSR goals. SCT was founded as a full mediator between BTU and CSR, emphasizing its significant role in promoting CSR practices which are becoming more crucial in the global supply chain.Research limitations/implications Data were collected via the Prolific data collection platform. An avenue for future investigation could involve replicating or extending this research with participants from additional sources.Practical implications This research underscores the significance of employing transparent processes by embracing blockchain technology for better CSR practices. SCT promotes responsible corporate practices for customers’ growing concern for sustainability. This will help businesses to get a competitive advantage by ensuring customers’ concerns for CSR.Originality/value Besides the well-known feature of BTU for secure transactions, the findings of this study underscore the value of adopting blockchain technology for better CSR through SCT by being one of the few empirical studies to focus on the utilization of blockchain technology for sustainability practices.

This study aims to determine the effect of blockchain technology adoption on new product development. In line with this purpose, the effect of blockchain technology adoption intention, blockchain technology adoption, and blockchain technology adoption on new product development was determined. In addition, it was determined whether supply chain transparency and supplier trust variables have mediating roles in the relationship between blockchain technology adoption and new product development. For these purposes, an application was carried out on ISO 1000 companies. According to the results of the research, it was determined that the intention to adopt blockchain technology is effective for blockchain technology adoption, and blockchain technology adoption is effective for new product development. In addition, supply chain transparency and supplier trust were found to have a mediating effect.

Despite existing studies emphasizing the significance of supply chain transparency (SCT) and supply chain visibility (SCV) in supply chain management (SCM), their potential interplay remains unclear. To address this gap, we develop a framework grounded in dynamic capabilities theory and examine the interactions between two types of SCT (cost and relationship transparency) and three types of SCV (demand, supply, and market visibility), along with their effects on firm performance. We conduct surveys with 297 manufacturing firms and 112 service firms in China, validating our propositions through fuzzy‐set qualitative comparative analysis. Our findings indicate that high firm performance relies on both SCT and SCV, rather than on either aspect alone. Furthermore, demand visibility emerges as the most critical SCV. Finally, relationship and cost transparency play unique roles in manufacturing and service firms. By elucidating the intricate interactions between SCT and SCV, our study contributes to extant SCM literature and offers actionable insights for managers, advocating for a holistic approach that leverages both SCT and SCV to enhance performance.

This research focuses on the intersection between Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) reporting and corporate reputation, specifically in relation to supply chain transparency. ESG reporting has become an important aspect of corporate governance in an age of rising environmental and social consciousness. The research uses a qualitative method and case studies of companies across a wide range of industries, from Tesla to Walmart, Microsoft to Nestl to DHL, to investigate the effect of open ESG policies on public confidence and brand perception. Results show a strong positive relationship between ESG transparency and corporate reputation transparent companies have higher public trust and loyalty. But supply chain transparency remains a major obstacle due to lack of standardised ESG metrics and resistance from supply chain partners. This research also points to sectoral differences, with retail and logistics performing better than manufacturing and food & beverage because of easy supply chains and higher consumer demand. This research shows that robust ESG reporting is critical for reputation management and competitive advantage. It also stresses the need for industry-based tactics and the use of technologies like blockchain and IoT for visibility of the supply chain. These insights are helpful for organisations who are seeking to balance sustainability with business outcomes and stakeholder expectations.

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate whether public governance quality (i.e. control of corruption and voice and accountability) and corporate governance strength (i.e. environmental committee existence) are influential in stimulating supply chain transparency and how these two governance characteristics interact in enhancing supply chain transparency.Design/methodology/approachOur investigation draws on a sample of 25,096 firm-year observations affiliated with the manufacturing industry in 50 countries and executes country-year fixed effects.FindingsWe find that the strength of control of corruption, voice and accountability is positively associated with supply chain transparency, supporting institutional theory. Furthermore, the environmental committee’s existence is positively related to sustainable supply chain transparency, confirming the upper echelons theory. The moderating analysis rejects the complementary effect but supports the substitution effect, confirming the negative moderating role of the environmental committee between the control of corruption and voice and accountability and sustainable supply chain transparency.Originality/valueNo empirical study has drawn on an international sample to (1) explicate the worldwide adoption of sustainable supply chain transparency, (2) link corruption and accountability to green supply chain transparency or (3) investigate how sustainable supply chain transparency is affected by the interplay of institutions and environmental management committees. Thus, we highlight the substitutive or complementary role of internal and external governance mechanisms in inciting firms toward greener supply chain management by developing a novel sustainable supply chain transparency index that draws on five indicators.

This study aims to examine the direct impact of supply chain transparency (SCT) on supply chain resilience (SCR), evaluate the effect of SCR on supply chain risk management (SCRM) and then explore the moderating effect of blockchain technology (BCT). To achieve the set objectives, and through information processing theory, this paper developed a conceptual model that describes hypothesized relationships empirically through a sample of 221 managers in the agricultural companies sector in one of the emerging countries. A questionnaire was developed to collect data and test hypothesized relationships. After evaluating the validity and reliability of the questionnaire, the hypothesized paths were tested, which were positive. The results reached through the partial least squares-structural equation modeling showed that hypothesized relationships were statistically significant and all relationships were positive. The results provided support for the hypotheses that SCT positively affects SCR, SCR plays a positive role in SCRM and BCT positively moderates the relationship between SCR and SCRM. According to the results obtained in this research work, many new and fresh contributions to the supply chain management literature can be used to improve risk management in agricultural supply chains.

The growing complexity and globalization of supply chains have heightened the need for enhanced transparency and traceability. Current research on improving supply chain transparency faces challenges such as data privacy concerns, trust issues, and inefficient information sharing. This paper addresses these challenges by proposing the use of blockchain technology to revolutionize supply chain management. The innovative aspect of this work lies in leveraging blockchain's decentralized and immutable nature to create a transparent and secure system for tracking and verifying the flow of goods and information throughout the supply chain. By introducing this novel approach, this research aims to enhance trust among supply chain partners, improve operational efficiency, and ultimately contribute to the overall integrity and sustainability of global supply chains.

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ABSTRACT Logistics Service Providers are key players in logistics operations to support a seamless flow between stakeholders in the supply chain in this globalization age. One key strategy in supply chain management to improve supply chain efficiency is through the integration of supply chain transparency among key activities and operations in the supply chain. In this study, we investigate the complex, interrelationship between supply chain transparency and supply chain efficiency in supply chains using an integrated Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis approach. Seven key performance indicators were initially identified and analyzed using the Analytic Hierarchy Process approach based on the illustrated case study of logistics service provider in Thailand. Then, based on the selected key performance indicators, the efficiency optimization technique called the Data Envelopment Analysis is further applied to evaluate the performance of each logistics service provider sequentially. Finally, the transparency level of each logistics service provider is integrated to assess the effects on supply chain efficiency through the scenario analysis. Analyzed results suggest a practical analysis to comprehend how transparency and efficiency can be quantified in the supply chain and how their interrelationship plays a role in managerial implications relevant to supply chain managers and policyholders.

In the age of digital businesses, the rise of innovative digital transformation has made supply chain transparency (SCT) an essential research topic. While digital technologies provide possibilities for enhancing transparency in supply chains, there is limited research on how digital businesses overcome different SCT issues or provide real-time visibility and traceability. This study aims to investigate the different challenges of transparency in supply chains for digital businesses in the age of digital transformation. Challenges are identified through a comprehensive literature review and finalized through the fuzzy-Delphi method after industry experts’ validation. Data is gathered, ranked and prioritized through the analytic hierarchy process entropy method. The study reveals that challenges related to data privacy and security, supplier resistance and lack of data standardization grouped under Cluster 1 (critical digital friction points) pose the most significant barriers to SCT in digital enterprises. These are followed by Cluster 2 (operational capability gaps) and Cluster 3 (external and strategic constraints), highlighting a clear prioritization framework for addressing SCT issues in a structured, phased manner. By leveraging advanced digital technologies to gather, share and analyze supply chain data, digital enterprises can overcome these challenges, enhance operational effectiveness and gain stakeholders’ trust. These findings can be used by policymakers to develop guidelines that enhance transparency while maintaining data security. Practitioners can develop targeted strategies to address supplier resistance and infrastructure deficiencies. This study makes three distinct contributions. First, it fills a gap in the current literature by initiating a clear debate on SCT beyond generic or sustainability-focused models, illuminating its unique dimensions in digital enterprises. Second, it demonstrates the practical importance of SCT by identifying and prioritizing the key challenges that are faced by digitally transforming companies. Third, it advances theory by contrasting traditional perspectives with new insights drawn from our findings, offering both actionable guidance and novel conceptual frameworks for transparency in digitally enabled supply chains.

Traditional international trade practices have often been plagued by opaque information flows, impeding traceability, and complicating seamless trade operations. Although blockchain technology has emerged as a potential solution for the supply chain and logistics sector, the existing literature predominantly addresses isolated issues such as asset monitoring and traceability, overlooking critical factors such as data integrity and access. This paper proposes a comprehensive blockchain-acquired framework designed to secure supply chain and logistics operations by integrating relevant processes and functions. Through a detailed case study, we demonstrate the effectiveness of the framework in addressing significant vulnerabilities within current supply chain systems. Our findings reveal that the proposed framework not only enhances traceability, but also fortifies data integrity and access controls, thus mitigating critical loopholes that have hindered operational efficiency. Furthermore, we outline several avenues for future research, emphasizing the need for continued exploration of blockchain applications in supply chain management. This work aims to contribute to the development of more transparent, efficient, and reliable trade practices in the global marketplace.

Companies that are investing in blockchain technology to enhance supply chain transparency face challenges in fostering collaborations with others and deciding what information to share. Transparency over the actions of supply chain partners can improve operational decisions, but sharing own data on the blockchain can put firms at a competitive disadvantage. In this paper, we investigate the resulting questions of when blockchain should be adopted in a supply chain and how it should be designed by analyzing two ways that it can enhance supply chain transparency: making the manufacturer’s sourcing cost transparent to the buyers (i.e., vertical cost transparency) and making the ordering status of buyers transparent to each other (i.e., horizontal order transparency). Given such transparency, firms can design a smart contract that automates transactions contingent on the revealed information and enables them to realize better equilibrium outcomes. We find that blockchain increases supply chain profit only when the manufacturer’s capacity is large and decreases supply chain profit otherwise. If the capacity is sufficiently large to eliminate the buyers’ competition, blockchain leads to a win–win–win and the incentives of all participants are naturally aligned. If the capacity is only moderately large, the manufacturer needs to compensate the buyers to facilitate a blockchain implementation. However, if the capacity is small, horizontal order transparency enabled by the blockchain mitigates the buyers’ overorder incentive to compete for the manufacturer’s capacity and increases double marginalization. For such cases, we show that a blockchain that only enables vertical cost transparency should (and can) still be adopted in a range of small capacity cases, and we propose an access control layer for the logistics data to implement such a blockchain. This paper was accepted by David Simchi-Levi, operations management. Funding: J. Liu was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China [Grant 72101110] and The MOE (Ministry of Education in China) Project of Humanities and Social Sciences [Grant 20YJC630084]. Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2023.4851 .

PurposeThe study’s purpose was to analyse the use of supplier codes of conduct as a supply chain governance tool and show that such codes can contribute to transparency in supply chain networks by helping define objectives and promote environmental, social and governance (ESG) developments.Design/methodology/approachThe study involved examining 67 publicly available and randomly selected supplier codes of conduct of manufacturing companies from the electronics, vehicle manufacturing, healthcare and food sectors.FindingsSupplier codes of conduct reflect the increasing complexity of social and environmental requirements while maintaining the ethical standards. Reactions to new challenges can be identified in the content of the codes. Many codes expect active development by suppliers and the communication of expectations to lower-tier suppliers. For setting environmental objectives, standards are important; the most influential reference point for the social elements of codes is recommendations from international organisations, while for ethical instruments, it is national legislation. Codes and related information can thus be an instrument for promoting ESG objectives and governance-related transparency in well-defined supply chains and a part of legitimacy-building efforts associated with a wider group of stakeholders. Industry-level differences are identified.Originality/valueRecent literature does little to explore the role of codes of conduct in increasing transparency in supply chain governance and legitimacy efforts. This study contributes by constructing a research framework that helps investigate whether corporate codes of conduct make the activities of supply chain stakeholders more transparent and by providing evidence that companies are actively communicating with a wide range of stakeholders.

This study proposes a mobile application to enhance the coffee supply chain (CSC) by leveraging advanced technologies. It addresses the critical need for transparency, traceability and sustainability in the global market from conception to implementation, ensuring innovation. The application integrates blockchain, radio-frequency identification and barcode technologies for accurate data tracking and recording throughout the supply chain. Its features encompass farm inspections, data capturing (e.g. coffee variety, environmental conditions and inputs like fertilizers), shipment management and processing, ensuring seamless operations across stakeholders. The application improves traceability, enabling better decision-making in transportation, inventory and purchases while promoting sustainability. By optimizing operational efficiency through real-time monitoring and logistics, it reduces costs by up to 20% and inventory carrying costs by 15–25%. It supports precision agriculture, boosting crop productivity by up to 15% and aligns with just-in-time (JIT) principles to minimize delays and storage costs. Additionally, it addresses counterfeiting and unethical practices, supports ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 compliance and promotes sustainable practices, reducing waste and improving livelihoods, profitability and trust across the supply chain. While this study highlights the transformative potential of digital technologies in agricultural supply chains, further research is needed to understand and address the specific barriers to technology adoption in diverse regional contexts. Key challenges include inadequate digital infrastructure in rural coffee-growing regions, the high costs associated with Internet of things and blockchain deployment and the varying levels of digital literacy among smallholder farmers. Additionally, regulatory discrepancies across countries can impact the feasibility and scalability of these technologies, necessitating policy interventions to support widespread adoption. The application fosters sustainable agricultural practices, fair trade and regulatory compliance while enhancing operational efficiency, accountability and stakeholder trust. The proposed mobile application significantly impacts the CSC by addressing key social challenges. It empowers smallholder farmers through tools that enhance transparency, enabling access to premium markets and fostering fair trade. The platform promotes ethical sourcing, combating labor exploitation and supports sustainable practices to improve environmental and socio-economic conditions. By offering traceability, it strengthens consumer trust and encourages accountability across the supply chain. Additionally, it fosters collaboration among stakeholders, creating a shared value ecosystem that ensures equitable benefits. Overall, the application contributes to a more inclusive, ethical and sustainable coffee industry, aligning with global development and sustainability goals. This work presents an innovative, comprehensive solution for optimizing the CSC. By covering the entire workflow and leveraging advanced technologies, the application significantly improves environmental, social, economic and governance outcomes, paving the way for a more efficient and responsible coffee industry.

Global supply chains suffer from fragmented data silos, limited transparency, and vulnerability to fraud/counterfeiting. Traditional centralized systems fail to provide real-time, immutable traceability, leading to inefficiencies in recalls, compliance, and stakeholder trust. We propose blockchain-based architecture leveraging distributed ledger technology (DLT) and smart contracts to create an end-to-end transparent, tamper-proof traceability system. This work designs and validates an enterprise-ready blockchain framework (Hyperledger Fabric) integrated with IoT sensors, uniquely addressing scalability and interoperability gaps in prior solutions. It quantifies performance-security trade-offs and stakeholder adoption barriers. A modular architecture was implemented, combining RFID/GPS sensors for data acquisition, PBFT consensus, and automated smart contracts. A real-world agri-food supply chain case study (organic coffee) evaluated performance, security, and usability across 5 stakeholder tiers. The system achieved 350 TPS throughput with <2-second latency, reducing paperwork by 85% and dispute resolution time by 30%. Security audits confirmed zero tampering incidents. Stakeholder surveys (N=42) showed 89% trust improvement but highlighted cost (72%) and technical literacy (58%) as adoption hurdles. Comparative analysis demonstrated 40% lower operational redundancy versus hybrid systems. Blockchain significantly enhances supply chain transparency and traceability with measurable efficiency gains. Future work will integrate AI-driven predictive analytics and cross-chain protocols.

Purpose Firms are increasingly pressured to comply with mandatory supply chain transparency (SCT) regulations. Drawing on information processing theory (IPT), this study aims to show how blockchain technology can address information uncertainty and equivocality in assuring regulatory compliance in an interorganizational network (ION). Design/methodology/approach IPT is applied in a single case study of an ION in the mining industry that aimed to implement blockchain to address mandatory SCT regulations. The authors build on a rich proprietary data set consisting of interviews and substantial secondary material from actors along the supply chain. Findings The case shows that blockchain creates equality between actors, enables compliance and enhances efficiency in an ION, reducing information uncertainty and equivocality arising from conflict minerals regulation. The system promotes engagement and data sharing between parties while protecting commercial sensitive information. The lack of central authority prevents larger partners from taking control. The system provides mineral provenance and a regulation-compliant record. System cost analysis shows that the system is efficient as it is inexpensive relative to volumes and values of metals transacted. Issues were identified related to collecting richer human rights data for assurance and compliance with due diligence regulations. Originality/value The authors provide some of the first evidence in the operations and supply chain management literature of the specific architecture, costs and limitations of using blockchain for SCT. Using an IPT lens in an ION setting, the authors demonstrate how blockchain-based systems can address two key IPT challenges: environmental uncertainty and equivocality.

PurposeBased on signaling theory, this paper aims to explore the impact of supply chain transparency (SCT) on firms' bank loan (BL) and supply chain financing (SCF) in the context of voluntary disclosure of supplier and customer lists.Design/methodology/approachBased on panel data collected from Chinese-listed firms between 2012 and 2021, fixed-effect models and a series of robustness checks are used to test the predictions.FindingsFirst, improving SCT by disclosing major suppliers and customers promotes BL but inhibits SCF. Specifically, customer transparency (CT) is more influential in SCF than supplier transparency (ST). Second, supplier concentration (SC) weakens SCT’s positive impact on BL while reducing its negative impact on SCF. Third, customer concentration (CC) strengthens the positive impact of SCT on BL but intensifies its negative impact on SCF. Last, these findings are basically more pronounced in highly competitive industries.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the SCT literature by investigating the under-explored practice of supply chain list disclosure and revealing its dual impact on firms' access to financing offerings (i.e. BL and SCF) based on signaling theory. Additionally, it expands the understanding of the boundary conditions affecting the relationship between SCT and firm financing, focusing on supply chain concentration. Moreover, it advances signaling theory by exploring how financing providers interpret the SCT signal and enriches the understanding of BL and SCF antecedents from a supply chain perspective.

PurposeNumerous studies have confirmed the potential of supply chain digitalization. However, in practice, supply chain digitalization does not always effectively improve transparency, highlighting the need for an investigation into its mechanisms. This study is based on the resource-based view (RBV), which explains how firms gain a competitive advantage through the optimal allocation of resources and capabilities. RBV offers strong theoretical support for analyzing the complex mechanisms by which supply chain digitalization impacts transparency.Design/methodology/approachThe research data is sourced from 351 Chinese fashion companies. The sample was selected based on the diversity of company size, geographic location and market positioning, covering a broad range from small and medium-sized enterprises to large corporations. Data were collected using a stratified random sampling method, combining surveys and field interviews to ensure the representativeness and reliability of the data.FindingsThe study tests the data hypotheses using structural equation modeling and regression analysis. The findings indicate that supply chain digitalization not only has a direct positive impact on supply chain transparency but also indirectly enhances transparency through supply chain collaboration. Additionally, the study identifies the moderating role of cross-organizational governance in this mechanism, revealing the boundary conditions of the impact pathways.Originality/valueThis study provides practical guidance for firms to enhance supply chain transparency during their supply chain digitalization process. Although the research focuses on the Chinese fashion industry, its findings offer valuable insights for similar industries, such as electronics, in improving supply chain transparency. These findings have broad applicability and significance.

The global supply chain is a complex and interconnected system that plays a vital role in the efficient movement of goods across industries. However, the lack of transparency and the possibility of fraud or inefficiency have raised concerns regarding supply chain operations. Blockchain technology, with its decentralized, secure, and immutable nature, offers a promising solution for enhancing supply chain transparency. This research paper explores the role of blockchain in addressing the challenges faced by traditional supply chains, examines real-world applications, and discusses its potential impact on improving trust, efficiency, and accountability.

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Despite the growing interest in blockchain for supply chain transparency, a gap remains in understanding consumer perceptions and attitudes toward blockchain-supported initiatives. This study examines how consumers perceive blockchain's role in enhancing supply chain transparency, the factors influencing consumer trust in blockchain-enabled transparency, and the implications for consumer engagement and behaviour within the supply chain network. Through a scenario-based experiment, we find that technology-supported transparency enhances consumer trust not only in the focal firm but also in various stakeholders involved. Specifically, consumers exhibit higher trust in retailers and other stakeholders when firms adopt decentralised transparency systems compared to centralised ones. Decentralised technology-supported transparency significantly influences consumers’ decisions to interact directly with stakeholders, shifting their preference toward responsible supply chain actors over focal firms. While multi-stakeholder transparency does not directly affect consumers’ purchase intentions, high trust in the technology positively influences their intention to purchase. Our study provides actionable managerial insights, guiding decision-makers in adopting decentralised transparency practices to strengthen stakeholder relationships and align with consumer expectations. By understanding the nuances of consumer trust in technology-supported transparency, firms can make more informed strategic decisions, ultimately enhancing the overall performance of their supply chains.

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Using data on Chinese non-financial listed firms covering 2009 to 2022, we explore the effect of supply chain transparency on stock price crash risk. Two proxies for supply chain transparency are constructed using the number of supply chain partners’ names and the proportion of their transactions disclosed in annual reports. The results reveal that enhancing supply chain transparency can decrease crash risk, specifically by mitigating tax avoidance and earnings management. Moreover, the analysis suggests that this risk-reduction effect is more prominent in companies where managers are more incentivized to hide negative information and investors possess superior abilities to acquire information. Interestingly, supplier transparency is more influential in mitigating crash risk than customer transparency. These findings emphasize the significance of supply chain transparency in managing financial risk.

PurposeProduction systems occupy geographically dispersed organizations with limited visibility and transparency. Such limitations create operational inefficiencies across the Supply Chain (SC). Recently, researchers have started exploring applications of Digital Twins Technology (DTT) to improve SC operations. In this context, there is a need to provide comprehensive theoretical knowledge and frameworks to help stakeholders understand the adoption of DTT. This study aims to fulfill the research gap by empirically investigating DTT readiness to enable transparency in SC.Design/methodology/approachA comprehensive literature survey was conducted to develop a theoretical model related to Supply Chain Transparency (SCT) and DTT readiness. Then, a questionnaire was developed based on the proposed theoretical model, and data was collected from Indian manufacturers. The data was analyzed using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) to confirm the proposed relationships.FindingsThe findings from the study confirmed a positive relationship between DTT implementation and SCT. This study reported that data readiness, perceived values and benefits of DTT, and organizational readiness and leadership support influence DTT readiness and further lead to SCT.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the literature and knowledge by uniquely mapping and validating various interactions between DTT readiness and sustainable SC performance.

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PurposeThis study seeks to explore the intricate relationship among supply chain transparency, digitalization and idiosyncratic risk, with a specific focus on newly public firms. The objective is to determine whether supply chain transparency effectively mitigates idiosyncratic risk within this context and to understand the potential impact of digitalization on this dynamic interplay.Design/methodology/approachThe study utilizes data from Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) on China’s Growth Enterprise Board (ChiNext) over the last five years, sourced from the CSMAR database and firms’ annual reports. The research covers the period from 2009 to 2021, observing each firm for five years post-IPO. The final sample comprises 2,645 observations from 529 firms. The analysis employs the Hausman test, considering the panel-data structure of the sample and favoring fixed effects over random effects. Additionally, it applies the high-dimensional fixed effects (HDFE) estimator to address unobserved heterogeneity.FindingsThe analysis initially uncovered an inverted U-shaped relationship between supply chain transparency and idiosyncratic risk, indicating a delicate equilibrium where detrimental effects diminish and beneficial effects accelerate with increased transparency. Moreover, this inverted U-shaped relationship was notably more pronounced in newly public firms with a heightened level of firm digitalization. This observation implies that firm digitalization amplifies the impact of transparency on a firm’s idiosyncratic risk.Originality/valueThis study distinguishes itself by providing distinctive insights into supply chain transparency and idiosyncratic risk. Initially, we introduce and substantiate an inverted U-shaped correlation between supply chain transparency and idiosyncratic risk, challenging the conventional linear perspective. Secondly, we pioneer the connection between supply chain transparency and idiosyncratic risk, especially for newly public firms, thereby enhancing comprehension of financial implications. Lastly, we pinpoint crucial digital conditions that influence the relationship between supply chain transparency and idiosyncratic risk management, offering a nuanced perspective on the role of technology in risk management.

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Blockchain technology has emerged as a promising solution to enhance supply chain transparency and sustainability in the construction industry. However, the widespread adoption of blockchain faces several barriers that need to be identified and understood. The construction industry faces significant challenges regarding supply chain transparency and sustainability. Current practices lack visibility, leading to difficulties in tracing material origins, tracking movement, and ensuring compliance. To fill this gap, this study employed a three-phase approach. In the first phase, a comprehensive literature review identified 37 potential barriers. Subsequently, expert discussions were held to refine the list, ultimately selecting 15 barriers of utmost importance. In the second phase, data were collected from 17 experts representing academia and industry. Finally, in the last phase, the collected data were analyzed using the Pythagorean fuzzy analytical hierarchical process (AHP) methodology. The findings revealed that the “transparency range” category was the most critical barrier, closely followed by “inadequate access to institutional finance”. Surprisingly, the study identified the “security environment” as the most significant barrier. These results offer construction companies, policymakers, and other industry stakeholders a comprehensive understanding of blockchain adoption’s challenges. With this knowledge, stakeholders can design effective strategies and policies to address these barriers. Moreover, the research highlights the importance of considering uncertainty in decision making when assessing technology adoption, making the findings applicable beyond the construction industry.

This study examines the impact of blockchain technology on ethical sourcing and supply chain transparency in Ghana's cocoa and agriculture industries. Using the Diffusion of Innovation Theory as a framework, the study investigates the adoption and influence of blockchain technology on ethical sourcing practices and supply chain transparency. Regression analysis was conducted using data from 153 firms in the agricultural and cocoa sectors to explore the relationships between blockchain technology usage, ethical sourcing, supply chain transparency, adoption of new technologies, and corporate social responsibility. The results highlight the significant influence of blockchain technology adoption on supply chain transparency and ethical sourcing practices in the cocoa and agricultural sectors. Specifically, companies that utilize blockchain technology tend to have more transparent supply chains and are more likely to engage in ethical sourcing compared to those that do not. Moreover, there is evidence suggesting that the use of technology, particularly blockchain, is a strong predictor of increased transparency, with positive correlations observed across all industries. These findings illustrate the potential of blockchain technology to enhance ethical sourcing methods and supply chain transparency in Ghana's cocoa and agriculture industries. It is recommended that both public and private corporations consider investing in technology adoption, particularly blockchain technology, as it has the potential to improve ethical sourcing practices.

Consumers' trust in eco‐labels is declining due to the growing number of different kinds of eco‐labels that can be uncertified and related to greenwashing. This paper argues that providing more transparency regarding green supply chains (GSCs) through eco‐labels (such as Cradle to Cradle Certified®) is critical for creating trust and convincing consumers to buy eco‐products over conventional ones. Building on previous literature related to sustainable consumption behavior, green purchasing behavior, Cradle to Cradle certification and GSC management, we develop and test a conceptual model to empirically investigate the links between consumers' trust in eco‐product labels and GSC perceptions in influencing green purchase behavior (GPB) in the case of eco‐friendly fast‐moving consumer goods (FMCGs). By studying a sample of 276 German consumers and applying structural equation modeling, we find that the trust in eco‐product labels and positive perceptions of GSCs are important drivers of GPB. Our research contributes by expanding the knowledge on the factors influencing the acceptance of eco‐products, highlighting the importance of supply chain transparency and trust in GSCs among consumers. We discuss theoretical implications for green product innovation and marketing including eco‐product labeling based on transparent GSCs.

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Section 1502 of the Dodd–Frank Act requires SEC‐registered issuers to conduct supply chain due diligence and submit conflict minerals disclosures (CMDs) that indicate whether their products contain tantalum, tin, tungsten, or gold (3TG) sourced from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) or its neighboring countries (“covered countries”). Consistent with the reputational cost hypothesis, we find that heightened public attention to CMDs increases responsible sourcing. After Section 1502 takes effect, we find higher demand for 3TG products processed in certified smelters, decreased conflicts in covered countries’ mining regions relative to other regions, and reduced sensitivity of conflict risk to conflict minerals’ price spikes. Finally, we find that conflicts decrease in Eastern DRC territories with prevalent 3T (tantalum, tin, and tungsten) mines but increase in territories with prevalent gold mines. Overall, our findings highlight the real effects of enhanced supply chain transparency regulation.

Interlocking director networks facilitate the exchange of information and resource sharing among firms. As a result, firms within these networks often imitate and learn from each other’s behaviors, which can influence their decisions regarding supply chain disclosure. Therefore, guided by social network theory, this study investigates how interlocking director network characteristics – specifically centrality and structural holes – influence firms’ voluntary supply chain disclosure decisions. Using data from A-share firms listed on China’s Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges from 2013 to 2022, the relationship between interlocking director networks and both voluntary supplier and customer disclosure is empirically examined. A two-way fixed effects model incorporating negative binomial regression is employed. The results suggest that firms with higher centrality and greater access to structural holes within interlocking director networks are more willing to voluntarily disclose supply chain information. Further analysis reveals that this positive effect is moderated by firm external environments, including industry competition and business environment. This study enriches the literature on voluntary disclosure and provides a reference for managers to improve voluntary supply chain disclosure by exploiting interlocking director network.

Blockchain technology offers the potential for immutable, real-time Environmental-Social-Governance (ESG) data streams, yet robust causal evidence on their capital-market impact remains limited. Using 43,896 firm-quarter observations (2018-2024) across 1,829 Chinese A-share supply-chain firms, we develop an On-Chain Disclosure Intensity (ODI) index by parsing 9.4 million ESG-tagged smart-contract events from Ethereum-based decentralised autonomous organisations. Our identification strategy combines an instrumental-variables two-stage least squares (IV-2SLS) approach, leveraging DAO vote density and provincial blockchain-for-sustainability subsidies, with a staggered difference-in-differences design exploiting 2023-2024 disclosure mandates. A one-standard-deviation increase in instrumented ODI raises institutional ownership by 1.32 percentage points and reduces the weighted-average cost of capital by 38 basis points; treatment firms subject to policy shocks see an additional 6.05-point ownership gain. Robustness checks, including entropy-weighted TOPSIS scoring, placebo reforms, alternative clustering, and non-parametric randomisation, corroborate the transparency premium. The findings indicate that tamper-proof ESG data can complement conventional narrative reports, providing managers with a pathway to lower financing costs and offering regulators quantitative benchmarks for standardising blockchain-based disclosure.

The supply chain is an important lens through which to understand the business, operational and financial behavior of firms. This paper examines in detail its important impact on supply chain information disclosure through the lens of the presence or absence of political affiliation as an important characteristic of a firm. Based on a panel data of Chinese A-share listed companies, the empirical analysis finds that corporate political affiliation significantly increases the level of corporate supply chain disclosure, and this effect persists after a series of robustness tests. Heterogeneity analysis shows that the effect is more pronounced in the eastern and central regions than in the western region, and the effect is greater for firms in the central region, which are mainly present in capital-intensive industries compared to labor-intensive firms. Based on an upstream and downstream perspective, the impact is more pronounced upstream. Further mechanistic analysis reveals that the productivity-enabling effect of political linkages and the weakening of management power are important mechanistic pathways. This paper enriches the research on the influencing factors of corporate supply chain information disclosure and gives corresponding suggestions for enhancing corporate supply chain transparency.

As a vital driver of supply chain management, data has evolved into both a foundational resource and a critical production factor for optimizing supply chains and mitigating risk. This study adopts a four-dimensional framework (i.e., visibility, coordination, flexibility, and redundancy) to investigate how data asset information disclosure (DAID) shapes supply chain risk (SCR). Relative to the existing literature, this paper contributes by examining the determinants of supply chain risk from the perspective of data asset information disclosure and by conducting empirical analyses using double debiased machine learning and causal mediation analysis. The results show that DAID significantly lowers SCR, with results robust to multiple sensitivity checks. Economically, a one-standard-deviation increase in DAID leads to an average decline in SCR of 0.63%. Causal mediation analysis, aligned with the theoretical dimensions, reveals that DAID mitigates SCR through four channels: enhancing information transparency, improving visibility, strengthening agile responsiveness, and increasing supply chain concentration. Heterogeneity tests reveal stronger effects among firms facing fewer financing constraints, operating in more marketized environments, and designated as chain master firms. Further evidence suggests that reduced SCR promotes a greater capacity for coordinated innovation within the supply chain.

ABSTRACT Using data from Chinese supply chain enterprises, we find that environmental penalties imposed on customer firms not only reduce their own performance but also prompt suppliers to engage in accommodative carbon disclosure through supply chain transmission. The key mechanisms underlying this distortion effect are the connections between corporate governance layers, the suppliers’ desire to maintain their reputation, and the exacerbation of financing constraints. Further analysis indicates that suppliers are more likely to engage in accommodative behavior when the penalty severity is lower, the customer’s influence is weaker, and media attention is lower.

Green transformation is becoming key for corporate sustainability in the context of global carbon neutrality goals and China’s “dual carbon” strategy (peak carbon emissions and carbon neutrality). Digital transformation, particularly supply chain digitization, plays a significant role in green transformation. Corporations could improve environmental performance through appropriate resource allocation. Much academic and practical attention is drawn to this area to motivate corporate green transformation. This research proposes to explore the incentive effect of supply chain digitization on corporate green transformation and analyze the mediation mechanism of carbon information disclosure and the regulatory effect of external investor supervision. The study samples Chinese A-share listed firms between 2012 and 2024, constructs a moderated mediation effect model, and arrives at the following conclusions: (1) The digitization of the supply chain significantly stimulates the green transformation of public firms, indicating that digital technology promotes the green development of enterprises through optimizing supply chain management and improving environmental governance efficiency; (2) Carbon information disclosure plays a partial intermediary role between supply chain digitization and corporate green transformation, that is, supply chain digitization enhances the quality of carbon information disclosure and further strengthens the willingness and ability of enterprises to undergo green transformation; (3) The positive regulatory effect of external supervision on carbon information disclosure by investors indicates that external regulatory pressure can enhance the transmission effect of carbon information disclosure on corporate green transformation; (4) Heterogeneity analysis shows that supply chain digitization has a more significant incentive effect on green transformation for manufacturing firms, state-owned enterprises, and high-polluting enterprises, indicating that industry attributes, property rights, and environmental regulation intensity affect the effectiveness of digital green transformation.

In this study, the effects of supply chain digitization (SCD) on corporate carbon disclosure within the framework of transaction cost and institutional isomorphism theory are examined. We show that SCD improves corporate carbon disclosure level (i.e., width, depth and breadth). The pivotal mechanism is reduced transaction costs, which are achieved through reducing information asymmetry, increasing risk‐taking capacity and facilitating upstream and downstream collaboration. The effect is pronounced for non‐SOEs, firms with stronger levels of supplier competition, and firms with higher levels of customer dependence. Our study innovatively incorporates breadth, depth and width into the carbon disclosure level and highlights the role of SCD in facilitating carbon management along the supply chain.

This study looks at how competition in an industry and unusual deals between related parties affect the release of supply chain lists and the risk of a stock price crash. Adding to earlier research that showed a link between supply chain list disclosure and stock price crash risk (SPCR), this study looks at how competition in the industry affects this relationship and how strange transactions involving related parties affect it. A quantitative approach is adopted, with OLS regression performed on a sample of 20,301 firm-year observations of Chinese non-financial listed companies from 2012 to 2022. The findings indicate that industry competition weakens the negative relationship between list disclosure and SPCR. More robust evidence reveals that supply chain list disclosure effectively reduces SPCR only in firms operating in low-competition industries. The results suggest that disclosing supply chain lists may undermine the competitive advantage of enterprises and further intensify the industry competition due to the high proprietary costs, particularly in highly competitive sectors. The mechanism test also shows that making the supply chain lists public lowers the number of strange related-party transactions, which lowers SPCR. Finally, our findings remain robust after conducting a series of robustness checks. This research offers valuable insights for corporate managers in selecting disclosure strategies, informs policymakers on enhancing disclosure regulations, and serves as a reference for investors concerned about SPCR.

This article investigates the delivery of sustainability information along the supply chain and the role of suppliers' proprietary costs in shaping sustainability reporting. Using a sample of Taiwanese publicly held companies from 2015 to 2019, this empirical study finds that buyers' sustainability policies positively affect suppliers' attitudes toward issuing sustainability reports, obtaining sustainability report assurance, and adopting the latest Global Reporting Initiative framework. The results also show that this positive effect is weaker for firms with high proprietary costs than for those with low proprietary costs.

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In the context of global sustainability mandates, corporate carbon disclosure has emerged as a critical mechanism for aligning business strategy with environmental responsibility. The Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) hosts the world's largest longitudinal dataset of climate-related survey responses, combining structured indicators with open-ended narratives, but the heterogeneity and free-form nature of these disclosures present significant analytical challenges for benchmarking, compliance monitoring, and investment screening. This paper proposes a novel decision-support framework that leverages large language models (LLMs) to assess corporate climate disclosure quality at scale. It develops a master rubric that harmonizes narrative scoring across 11 years of CDP data (2010-2020), enabling cross-sector and cross-country benchmarking. By integrating rubric-guided scoring with percentile-based normalization, our method identifies temporal trends, strategic alignment patterns, and inconsistencies in disclosure across industries and regions. Results reveal that sectors such as technology and countries like Germany consistently demonstrate higher rubric alignment, while others exhibit volatility or superficial engagement, offering insights that inform key decision-making processes for investors, regulators, and corporate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) strategists. The proposed LLM-based approach transforms unstructured disclosures into quantifiable, interpretable, comparable, and actionable intelligence, advancing the capabilities of AI-enabled decision support systems (DSSs) in the domain of climate governance.

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This paper shows that the existence of disclosure‐related costs and benefits explains the influence of R&D intensity on supply chain transparency. We find that R&D‐active firms are more likely to redact supply chain identities but disclose supply chain distribution as a substitution. The effect of withholding (disclosing) the specific identities (distribution) of supply chain is more (less) pronounced when firms are in higher competitive industries or non–state‐owned enterprises. Our study provides evidence of disclosure substitution behavior in a unified voluntary setting of supply chain transparency and shows that partial disclosure of nonproprietary information may be optimal.

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With the frequent occurrence of online public opinion events, the problem of product stigma is becoming increasingly serious. Enterprises must use effective quality information disclosure strategies to reduce losses affecting market sales and profit. Therefore, this paper aims to address the supply chain structure composed of one product manufacturer and one component manufacturer under the influence of stigma. It constructs a decision optimization model under three scenarios: no information disclosure, the product manufacturer disclosures information, and the component manufacturer disclosures information, and uses Stackelberg game theory to solve and analyze the model. Furthermore, we use numerical examples to verify the model results, and provide management suggestions for enterprises. The research results show that enterprises suffering from product stigma should actively implement information disclosure strategies to reduce their profit losses, and the lower the stigma level, the better the effect of information disclosure will be; when the stigma level becomes more serious, enterprises should take timely steps to reduce the sales price of products, the sales price of components, and the efforts to disclose information; for industries that value confidentiality of product information, although the implementation of information disclosure by the component manufacturer can require less effort for information disclosure, the two enterprises will suffer higher economic losses.

In recent years, banks have incorporated sustainable development strategies to achieve competitiveness in the financial market. However, the primary concern for banks is the financial pressure to implement sustainable environmental practices. In addition, banks are obliged by different regulators to maintain standards in conducting their business and allocating funds. Previous studies examined the relationship between sustainability reporting, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and firms’ financial performance. Few empirical studies examined the impact of sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) operations on firm financial outcomes, yet the banking sector has been ignored in the analyses. To bridge this gap, we examine the dynamic effect of SSCM operations on deposit money banks’ (DMBs) financial performance. We selected seven banks in Nigeria with national, regional and international authorization and data spanning from 2005 to 2023. Based on the panel co-integration test and the Cross-sectional Dependence Autoregressive Distributed Lag model (CS-ARDL) model, we found that SSCM operations have a significant influence on the financial performance (market value and profitability) of the banks. Impliedly, banks’ SSCM operations and environmental consideration in the allocation of funds drive their corporate image and value. Integration of SSCM strategies for a sustainable environment can help enterprises/companies bridge information asymmetry among diverse stakeholders. We offer some policy suggestions in line with the empirical findings.

: The main question of this paper is to investigate how an upstream supplier shares his private information about product quality in a two-stage supply chain considering informed consumers. In order to capture the strategic role of CSR behaviors in product information signaling, this paper constructs a signaling model and totally characterize all the separating equilibriums. The results reveal motivation for quality-disclosing of CSR strategy under the condition of informed consumers. Managerial insights are also discussed.

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The quick globalization of supply chain management (SCM) has resulted in increasingly complicated networks, and there is a need for transparency, efficiency, and security advancements. This research proposes an innovative framework that addresses these challenges and integrates blockchain-powered smart contracts, IoT-enabled real-time data tracking, and a robust Management Information System (MIS) dashboard. Developed on Ethereum’s decentralized architecture, this model provides a transparent and efficient environment for stakeholders and automates essential processes, including payment triggers, compliance with quality criteria and logistics support. Advanced features like demand-supply smoothing algorithms, blockchain-anchored robotic process automation (RPA), AI-driven risk analysis, digital twin systems, and multi-layer privacy protection further enhance the framework. IoT sensors also enable monitoring sustainability in real-time, while gamification and blockchain oracles guarantee stakeholder participation and dynamic optimization. The presented method addresses the main issues with SCM by reducing fraud, enhancing operational timeliness, providing regulatory compliance, sophisticated IoT-AI synergies and leveraging Layer2 solutions for scalability. This research highlights the transformative possibility of blockchain smart contracts in revolutionizing SCM by creating a secure, transparent, and sustainable supply chain ecosystem.

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Smart supply chain on supply chain based on the blockchain is a revolutionary solution for managing supply chain activities as it eliminates centralization concerns and serves as the basis for transparency, effectiveness, and protection against threats. The modern research aims at investigating the notion of smart contracts based on the blockchain concept for the automation and the safeguard of supply chain transactions. The following steps are proposed in order to implement the methodology: setting and understanding the requirements, choosing the right blockchain platform, smart contract development and testing, integration of the solution with existing SCM systems, and constant monitoring of the application’s performance after its implementation. Results demonstrate significant improvements: transaction processing time was reduced by 95% Untidy and cluttered desks can decrease workers’ efficiency by up to 17%. The DSC achieved high accuracy by decreasing error rates by 87. it can reduce direct costs by 30%, clinical costs by 25%, indirect costs by 5%, and administrative costs by 60%. Furthermore, its application completely eradicate the cases of data infringement and minimize the number of fraud transactions by 90% enhance stakenholder confidence by 41%. 67%. They also improved overall operational efficiencies including; reduced the order fulfillment time by 57 %. 14%, other observations were made in inventory management accuracy which has also increased by 15. , goal conformance audit duration decreased by 95% new goals while average by 29% compliance verification time was reduced to. 83%. This paper captures the considerable positive impacts that smart contracts have in contributing towards the improvement of blockchain through enhancing transparency, efficiency, and security of supply chains which paves way for increased application in numerous segments.

Blockchain technology has emerged as a disruptive force across various industries, and its integration with the Internet of Things (IoT) has unlocked new avenues for supply chain management. The conventional supply chain systems often encounter challenges related to privacy, security, and data integrity. In contrast, blockchain's decentralized and tamper-proof nature ensures a secure, auditable, and transparent record of product movement within the supply chain. By leveraging the immutable properties of blockchain, the system enhances product traceability, authenticity, and accountability while significantly reducing operational costs. IoT devices are vulnerable to attack as due to low processing power, storage limitations etc.  Blockchain integrated with IoT provides a solution faced by the several industries. Blockchains and smart contracts are technology that has gained massive attention. The integration of blockchain addresses these shortcomings by providing robust data security and integrity, minimizing the risk of unauthorized access or alteration. This paper presents a system that helps the industrialist to have an access to agricultural data and supply of crops data to farmer. As industries continue to embrace digitization and connectivity, the presented system offers a significant step towards a more streamlined and secure future for agricultural information sharing. This system will be effective for the supply chain management for the trusted delivery.

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Blockchain networks have made inroads in the supply chain domains due to their transparency, security and immutable logs. For cloud providers, a typical supply chain consists of complex networks of suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, retailers, auditors, and consumers. Even though there is an increased focus on self-serve or cloud provider managed SaaS (Software-as-a-service), a portion of sales for an enterprise customer occurs the old-fashioned way with the sales department drawing up a purchase order to begin the procurement process. In many cases, there could be several disjoint suppliers who fulfill the order behind the scenes unbeknownst to the buyer. In this paper we propose C3HSB, a decentralized distributed application architecture using blockchain and smart contracts to build the supply chain. Motivated by challenges in the industry, this approach can be considered as a building block for future supply chain procurement and deployment of cloud assets. The design goal for our system was to facilitate efficient handling of enterprise-scale purchase orders and alternatives in real-time while maintaining data provenance. C3HSB streamlines complex non-repudiated transaction workflows, promotes trust, and achieves cost savings for the customer and suppliers.

This paper discusses the application of secure and transparent supply chain tracking systems based on the latest technologies like blockchain, IoT, and smart contracts. Through real-time visibility, immutable data storage, and tamper-proof transactions, these systems increase trust, decrease fraud, and enhance operational efficiency throughout the supply chain. The combination of secure data sharing and automated processes guarantees all parties involved, from raw material suppliers to end consumers, a comprehensive and verifiable view of the information. This solution not only enhances regulatory compliance and risk management but also promotes a more resilient and reliable global supply chain.

Supply Chain Management (SCM) in industries such as coconut peat production increasingly demands systems that are not only efficient but also transparent and adaptable to rapid changes. Traditional monolithic architectures often fail to scale effectively and struggle to integrate emerging technologies such as IoT and blockchain, limiting their usefulness in dynamic environments. To address these limitations, this research proposes a microkernel-inspired architecture tailored for SCM. The architecture separates core system functions from domain-specific processes through the use of dynamically loadable plugins, allowing for modularity, fault isolation, and real-time adaptability. The impact of this study lies in its integration of multiple technologies to enhance transparency and operational flexibility. The system incorporates IoT sensors for real-time data acquisition, blockchain for immutable traceability, gRPC for high-performance communication, and K3$S$ for lightweight container orchestration. A workflow customization tool allows non-technical users to define or modify supply chain processes without altering core logic. We employed the Architectural Trade-off Analysis Method (ATAM) and Cost-Benefit Analysis Method (CBAM) to evaluate architectural decisions and conducted runtime performance testing using simulated workloads. Results showed improved scalability, flexibility, and fault tolerance, with moderate latency introduced by inter-process communication and CGo overhead. Despite some limitations in performance variability, the architecture maintained high availability and was able to recover from plugin failures seamlessly. These findings suggest that the proposed model provides a viable foundation for next-generation SCM systems. The contributions include a modular, resilient framework that effectively integrates advanced technologies to support adaptable and transparent supply chain operations across various industries.

The performance of medical supply chain is vital in ensuring timely and cost-effective delivery of healthcare products, directly impacting patient outcomes and the efficiency of health systems. This study investigates the effect of transparent procurement practices on the performance of medical supply chain in Kenya, with a focus on addressing the pervasive corruption and inefficiencies documented in the sector. A descriptive research design was adopted, utilizing both primary and secondary data collected through questionnaires administered to 100 supply chain management officers within 13 Semi-Autonomous Government Agencies (SAGAs) under the Ministry of Health. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS, employing descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression analysis. The findings revealed a significant positive relationship between transparent procurement practices and medical supply chain performance, with transparency accounting for 48.6% of the variance in performance (R² = 0.486, p < 0.05). Transparent procurement was found to mitigate stockouts, reduce procurement delays, and enhance accountability in resource allocation. These results underscore the importance of institutionalizing transparency measures in public procurement to enhance the efficiency and integrity of Kenya’s healthcare supply chain. The study recommends the adoption of an end-to-end digital procurement systems, training of procurement personnel, and stricter enforcement of public procurement laws and regulations to combat corruption and inefficiencies. These efforts will improve healthcare service delivery and contribute to public health resilience, especially in crisis situations. The findings provide valuable insights for policy and practice, emphasizing the need for transparency in public procurement systems.

Blockchain technology is revolutionizing supply chain management by addressing fundamental challenges of visibility, transparency, and trust through its distributed ledger architecture. This article explores the transformative potential of blockchain implementation across supply chain operations, exploring its security advantages through decentralized architecture, enhanced traceability capabilities, and process automation through smart contracts. The article gives technical foundations, implementation challenges, and evidence-based solutions across regulatory, integration, and cost-benefit dimensions. By evaluating blockchain's ability to eliminate single points of failure, ensure data immutability, and prevent fraud, the article demonstrates how this technology creates resilient supply networks capable of continuous operation despite localized disruptions. The article further explores smart contract applications for automating payments, documentation, and verification processes while addressing critical implementation barriers related to technical complexity, regulatory uncertainty, and enterprise system integration. Looking forward, the article identifies emerging research directions, including integration with complementary technologies and evolving governance mechanisms, ultimately showcasing blockchain's capacity to fundamentally reconfigure supply chain relationships, improve financial models, and necessitate regulatory adaptation to realize its full transformative potential.

With the increasingly fierce market competition and the increasingly diverse and personalized demands of consumers, the traditional supply chain management model has gradually exposed many drawbacks such as slow response speed, insufficient flexibility and information asymmetry, and has been difficult to adapt to the rapidly changing market environment. The rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology has brought unprecedented transformation opportunities to the intelligent manufacturing supply chain. With its powerful data processing capabilities, deep learning capabilities and intelligent decision-making capabilities, AI can collect, deeply analyze and accurately predict the massive data generated by each link of the supply chain in real time, thereby achieving intelligent management and optimization of the supply chain. Through AI technology, enterprises can achieve precise demand prediction, rationally plan inventory, optimize production scheduling, improve logistics and distribution efficiency, effectively reduce costs, and enhance customer satisfaction. Against this backdrop, this study focuses on the marketing transformation of the intelligent manufacturing supply chain driven by AI, especially in the key areas of transparent traceability and the construction of consumer trust, which holds significant theoretical and practical significance.

Aim: The U.S. requires clear supply chain resource monitoring for sustainable operations, but its current opacity obscures the achievement of environmental goals. The research investigates blockchain technology because it improves transparency, which supports precise materials tracking to reduce waste. Methods: The research employed a blockchain-powered platform that tracked clothing materials from acquisition until retail delivery for a representative U.S. apparel company. Results: The implementation of Hyperledger Fabric with Python-based analytics in 12 months led to a 15% decrease in waste materials, 12% monetary savings, and a 10% reduction in carbon footprint. The obtained results showcase blockchain capabilities for organizational transformation while they directly match American programs for sustainable delivery management that target retail waste expenses at $50 billion. Mid-sized businesses that generate 25% of U.S. retail jobs gain support from this system to implement environmentally friendly procedures. The solution demonstrates scalability that makes it ready for nationwide implementation, which simultaneously decreases landfill waste and improves economic reliability. Conclusion: The study concludes by presenting practical suggestions along with a recommendation to include AI functionality to optimize resource predictions.

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Sri Lanka, the fourth-largest tea exporter in the world, faces challenges in productivity, resource management, and sustainability within its tea industry. Despite its economic significance, no comprehensive solution utilizing advanced digital technologies has been developed specifically for tea plantations in Sri Lanka. This research proposes an integrated smart system that leverages the Internet of Things (IoT), Digital Twins, and carbon footprint tracking to enhance operational efficiency, sustainability, and traceability in tea plantation management. The proposed system comprises four key components: a Portable IoT Device for real-time environmental monitoring, a Digital Twin for Yield Prediction and Harvest Management, a Digital Twin for Data Visualization, and a Product Passport with Carbon Footprint tracking. By utilizing real-time data collection, predictive analytics, and interactive visualization, the system provides actionable insights for optimizing resource usage, scheduling harvests, and minimizing carbon emissions. The research methodology involves designing and implementing each component using advanced tools and technologies, including Python, TensorFlow, Unity, Solidity and C#. This study is the first to explore the application of these technologies in Sri Lankan tea plantations, addressing critical industry challenges while enhancing sustainability and market competitiveness. The findings demonstrate the system's potential to revolutionize tea plantation management by improving productivity, ensuring product authenticity, and promoting environmentally sustainable practices.

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Blockchain technology has surfaced as a revolutionary response to important challenges in supply chain management, such as a scarcity of transparency, inefficiencies, and potential for fraud. This study looks into the implementation of blockchain in supply chain systems, focusing especially on improving transparency, operational efficiency, and the trust among stakeholders. The analysis of genuine case studies in retail, logistics, and manufacturing illustrates the ways blockchain facilitates better traceability, cuts transaction times, and increases security via immutable and valid records. This study uses a mixed-methodology by blending quantitative data analytics from secondary sources with qualitative observations from reports in the industry. Findings point to the fact that adopting blockchain technology has improved supply chain efficiency by 15-30% and reduced fraud by as much as 40%, together with a striking decrease in processing times throughout global logistics networks. The originality of this research is found in its complete examination of the economic and operational effects of blockchain, offering business leaders tactical insights on maximizing their supply chains through this technology. The paper culminates with suggestions for resolving implementation issues and tactics for extending blockchain solutions in complex international networks.

The recent global pandemic has brought the world's supply chains to a standstill, revealing numerous challenges inherent in traditional supply chain models when faced with a widespread outbreak. Its impact has reverberated across virtually every corner of the globe. And, it has affected the healthcare supply chain management systems drastically. This research paper presents a novel vaccine allocation algorithm leveraging smart contract technology to enhance transparency and resilience within supply chain management. Addressing the critical challenges of vaccine distribution, including inefficiencies and lack of visibility, the proposed algorithm integrates blockchain's immutable ledger capabilities to ensure a transparent, efficient, and equitable distribution process. This research not only showcases the practical applications of smart contracts in critical supply chain functions but also proposes a scalable solution to optimize vaccine distribution, thereby contributing to enhanced public health outcomes and supply chain management practices. This study underscores the transformative potential of Blockchain (BC) technology in addressing longstanding challenges in vaccine logistics, paving the way for a more resilient and transparent supply chain ecosystem.

Traceability refers to the ability to track the history, application, or location of an item or product through recorded identifications. Traditional traceability systems often rely on manual processes and paper-based records, which can lead to inaccuracies, delays, and difficulties in tracking products across complex supply chains. These systems are prone to human error, lack real-time visibility, and can be easily compromised. Transitioning from traditional to advanced traceability is essential to meet the growing demand for transparency, efficiency, ensuring product authenticity and enhances consumer trust in the whole of supply chain. Our objective is to integrate Blockchain and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies to strengthen traceability in an agri-food supply chain, a case study was carried out. To do this, we developed a web platform based on react, solidity and MongoDB altlas cloud to visualize the different steps carried out in real time and the circulation of physical, information and financial flows throughout the dates supply chain

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The food supply chain has a number of challenges, including a lack of transparency and disengagement among stakeholders. By providing a transparent and traceable digital ledger of transactions and movements for all supply chain actors, blockchain technology can provide a resolution to these problems. We propose a blockchain-based system for tracking a product's full path, from its raw components to the finished item in the store. Many advantages of the offered system include improved quality assessment, increased product transparency and traceability, and sophisticated fraud detection capabilities. By reinventing the way transactions are carried out and enabling stakeholders to obtain a complete record of each product's journey, the system has the potential to completely alter the food supply chain. Also, by minimising inefficiencies, waste, and fraudulent activities that have a negative influence on the supply chain, the deployment of this system can remove limits imposed by the current supply chain. Overall, the suggested blockchain-based system has the potential to significantly increase the efficiency, transparency, and traceability of the food supply chain.

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In an era where digital commerce continues to burgeon, the conventional supply chain confronts challenges of inefficiency, fraud, and a dearth of transparency. Blockchain, renowned for its decentralized and immutable ledger, emerges as a compelling solution to transform the e-commerce supply chain landscape. In conventional supply chain practices marked by centralized databases and manual record-keeping, inefficiencies and a dearth of transparency are widespread. Challenges stemming from cumbersome paperwork, delayed information flow, and vulnerability to errors hindered effective coordination, traceability, and overall operational efficiency. Blockchain and IoT can elevate e-commerce supply chains by ensuring transparent, secure, and automated data-sharing, fostering efficiency and trust throughout the entire process. We have presented an Ethereum-based blockchain and Internet of Things e-commerce platform in this paper. We describe in detail how to put in place a system that stores a product’s journey’s details on an immutable distributed ledger. This allows for secure tracing of a product’s origin. The prototype of the system is deployed and tested on Hardhat testing framework. Traditional databases and cloud storages have been replaced by blockchain and IPFS. IPFS is used as the decentralized and distributed storage layer, facilitating the secure and efficient storage of credentials. Furthermore, the results of our experiments and security and scalability analyses demonstrate the viability of our suggested model.

Blockchain technology has emerged as a transformative tool for enhancing transparency, traceability, and security within supply chain management, particularly in the renewable energy sector. With increasing global demand for renewable energy sources, the complexity of managing decentralized supply chains has grown, necessitating more robust systems for tracking resources, transactions, and ensuring compliance. Blockchain offers a decentralized, immutable ledger that ensures all transactions are recorded transparently and cannot be altered, providing a foundation for greater accountability and trust among stakeholders. In renewable energy supply chains, blockchain can effectively address several critical challenges, including the verification of the origin of materials, such as solar panels, wind turbines, and batteries. This ensures that the sourcing of raw materials is done ethically, sustainably, and in line with environmental and social governance standards. Furthermore, blockchain facilitates real-time tracking of products from manufacturing to deployment, offering enhanced visibility and reducing the risk of fraud, theft, or errors. The integration of blockchain with Internet of Things (IoT) devices can further optimize the renewable energy supply chain by enabling automatic data recording and monitoring of the performance and condition of energy assets. This leads to improved asset management and predictive maintenance, thus reducing operational costs and increasing efficiency. Additionally, smart contracts powered by blockchain can automate and streamline transactions, reducing paperwork and delays, and ensuring compliance with contractual obligations. Overall, the application of blockchain in renewable energy supply chains holds significant promise in driving sustainability, reducing inefficiencies, and fostering collaboration between various stakeholders, including manufacturers, suppliers, and end-users. By leveraging blockchain's capabilities, the renewable energy sector can build more transparent, secure, and efficient supply chains, contributing to a more sustainable energy future.

Modern supply chain systems face significant challenges, including lack of transparency, inefficient inventory management, and vulnerability to disruptions and security threats. Traditional optimization methods often struggle to adapt to the complex and dynamic nature of these systems. This paper presents a novel blockchain-based zero-trust supply chain security framework integrated with deep reinforcement learning (SAC-rainbow) to address these challenges. The SAC-rainbow framework leverages the Soft Actor–Critic (SAC) algorithm with prioritized experience replay for inventory optimization and a blockchain-based zero-trust mechanism for secure supply chain management. The SAC-rainbow algorithm learns adaptive policies under demand uncertainty, while the blockchain architecture ensures secure, transparent, and traceable record-keeping and automated execution of supply chain transactions. An experiment using real-world supply chain data demonstrated the superior performance of the proposed framework in terms of reward maximization, inventory stability, and security metrics. The SAC-rainbow framework offers a promising solution for addressing the challenges of modern supply chains by leveraging blockchain, deep reinforcement learning, and zero-trust security principles. This research paves the way for developing secure, transparent, and efficient supply chain management systems in the face of growing complexity and security risks.

The energy sector underwent a significant transformation with increasing demand for efficiency, transparency, and sustainability. The traditional or conventional system often faces several challenges, such as inefficient energy trading, a lack of transparency in renewable energy generation verification, and complex regulatory guidelines that affect its widespread adoption. Thus, blockchain technology has emerged as a potential solution to overcome these challenges, as it is known for its transparent, secure, and decentralized nature. However, despite the promising application of blockchain, its integration into the energy supply chain (ESC) is underexplored. The purpose of this research is to analyze the potential applications of blockchain technology in ESC in order to enhance efficiency, transparency, and sustainability in energy systems. The aim is to investigate the integration of blockchain with emerging technologies (such as IoTs, smart contracts, and P2P energy trading) in order to optimize energy production, distribution, and consumption. Furthermore, by comparing different blockchain platforms (like Ethereum, Solana, Hedera, and Hyperledger Fabric), this study discusses the security and scalability challenges of using blockchain in energy systems. It also examines the practical use cases of blockchain for the tokenization of RECs, dynamic energy pricing, and P2P energy trading by providing the Energy Web Foundation and Power Ledger as real-world examples. The article concludes that blockchain technology has the potential to transform ESC by enabling decentralized energy trading, which subsequently enhances transparency in energy transactions and the verification of renewable energy generation. It also identifies smart contracts and tokenization of energy assets as key parameters for dynamic pricing models and efficient trading mechanisms. However, regulatory and scalability challenges remain significant obstacles to its widespread adoption. Finally, this study provides the basis for future advancement in the adoption of blockchain technology in ESC, which offers a valuable resource for industry professionals, regulating authorities, and researchers.

The design of a transparent supply chain is a crucial factor in building trust for traceability and cost allocation across various industries, especially in the pharmaceutical sector. Therefore, when designing a supply chain, both the product's position and the payment process must be simultaneously considered. To address the complexities of this model, emerging technologies have been integrated into a robust stochastic programming model. In this model, a probabilistic optimization approach is employed to minimize costs while considering factors such as sustainability, flexibility, and transparency. Results indicate a cost reduction of approximately 0.1% compared to traditional methods. A sensitivity analysis revealed the impact of various parameters on the model's accuracy. Additionally, it was found that the utilization of Transparency Tools (TRT) within the supply chain can enhance flexibility, transparency, and efficiency, leading to cost reductions, particularly at all levels of demand.

Purpose This study aims to examine the blockchain landscape in supply chain management by drawing insights from academic and industry literature. It identifies the key drivers, categorizes the products involved and highlights the business values achieved by early adopters of blockchain technology within the supply chain domain. Additionally, it explores fingerprinting techniques to establish a robust connection between physical products and the blockchain ledger. Design/methodology/approach The authors combined the interpretive sensemaking systematic literature review to offer insights into how organizations interpreted their business challenges and adopted blockchain technology in their specific supply chain context; content analysis (using Leximancer automated text mining software) for concept mapping visualization, facilitating the identification of key themes, trends and relationships, and qualitative thematic analysis (NVivo) for data organization, coding and enhancing the depth and efficiency of analysis. Findings The findings highlight the transformative potential of blockchain technology and offer valuable insights into its implementation in optimizing supply chain operations. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of product provenance information to consumers, with blockchain technology offering certainty and increasing customer loyalty toward brands that prioritize transparency. Research limitations/implications This research has several limitations that should be acknowledged. First, there is a possibility that some relevant investigations may have been missed or omitted, which could impact the findings. In addition, the limited availability of literature on blockchain adoption in supply chains may restrict the scope of the conclusions. The evolving nature of blockchain adoption in supply chains also poses a limitation. As the technology is in its infancy, the authors expect that a rapidly emerging body of literature will provide more extensive evidence-based general conclusions in the future. Another limitation is the lack of information contrasting academic and industry research, which could have provided more balanced insights into the technology’s advancement. The authors attributed this limitation to the narrow collaborations between academia and industry in the field of blockchain for supply chain management. Practical implications Practitioners recognize the potential of blockchain in addressing industry-specific challenges, such as ensuring transparency and data provenance. Understanding the benefits achieved by early adopters can serve as a starting point for companies considering blockchain adoption. Blockchain technology can verify product origin, enable truthful certifications and comply with established standards, reinforcing trust among stakeholders and customers. Thus, implementing blockchain solutions can enhance brand reputation and consumer confidence by ensuring product authenticity and quality. Based on the results, companies can align their strategies and initiatives with their needs and expectations. Social implications In essence, the integration of blockchain technology within supply chain provenance initiatives not only influences economic aspects but also brings substantial social impacts by reinforcing consumer trust, encouraging sustainable and ethical practices, combating product counterfeiting, empowering stakeholders and contributing to a more responsible, transparent and progressive socioeconomic environment. Originality/value This study consolidates current knowledge on blockchain’s capacity and identifies the specific drivers and business values associated with early blockchain adoption in supply chain provenance. Furthermore, it underscores the critical role of product fingerprinting techniques in supporting blockchain for supply chain provenance, facilitating more robust and efficient supply chain operations.

The increasing complexity and globalization of supply chains have heightened the need for transparent and tamper-resistant systems to ensure product traceability and integrity. This study investigates the effectiveness of blockchain-based provenance systems in enhancing transparency, reducing fraud, and maintaining data integrity across diverse supply chain environments. A comparative analysis was conducted using pre- and post-implementation performance metrics, including traceability index, fraud detection rate, transaction latency, and cost overhead. Empirical data were collected from simulation environments and validated case studies in agricultural and pharmaceutical logistics. Statistical evaluation revealed a significant improvement in traceability (from 64.7% to 91.2%) and fraud detection (from 51.3% to 94.3%), with a modest increase in transaction latency and operational cost. The findings demonstrate that blockchain integration provides a robust and scalable infrastructure for securing end-to-end supply chain data, enabling real-time verification and trust among stakeholders. These insights have practical implications for industries seeking to adopt transparent and efficient supply chain solutions in compliance with regulatory and consumer expectations. Keywords: Blockchain, Supply Chain, Provenance, Traceability, Data Integrity, Logistics, Transparency, Fraud Detection, Smart Contracts, Digital Verification

The rise in the cost of essentials affects every nation around the world, but it has become a major concern for developing nations. It is getting increasingly difficult to keep up with rising prices for everyday items in these countries, where the majority of the population is from the middle class or lower middle class. Inflation, pandemics, wars, and other important variables all contribute to price increases. There may be another significant factor at play, which is supply-chain corruption. The supply chain's unreliable, chaotic, and opaque nature is to blame for this corruption. We are concentrating on the agri-food supply chain in our study. Because many of the current agri-food supply chains are intricate and challenging to monitor, dishonest parties can exploit the situation. Therefore, we suggested a thorough blockchain-based agri-food supply chain to identify the source of price increases. The private Ethereum blockchain was used in the suggested system. Since the private Ethereum blockchain is more efficient, safe, and fast, it was chosen. Smart contracts were created to describe the system and its underlying rules and laws. Furthermore, in order to showcase the usefulness of our smart contracts, we exhibited a sample decentralized application to support our hypothesis. We also gave the system a complete security and vulnerability assessment to make sure it is operating properly and is protected from threats and attacks. Due to the use of blockchain, the system is immutable, transparent, and simple to track and monitor. The proposed system has demonstrated greater transparency, traceability, reliability, speed, security, and cost-efficiency compared to conventional systems. It effectively traces the origin of corruption in the supply chain, providing a more straightforward means to tackle concerns related to price hikes.

Ensuring Indigenous producers realize and capture provenance value from the native foods and botanicals supply chain is a key part of achieving economic, community, and ecological sustainability for Indigenous communities. Utilizing blockchain technology to support validated provenance claims throughout supply chain processes is an important intervention toward achieving this objective. This paper presents the preliminary results of an ongoing project in which blockchain technology underpins a “whole of supply chain” approach to addressing issues of provenance value claims and how these are validated within a digitalized environment. The paper focuses on the overarching objectives of achieving provenance value-based growth, and sustainability within a collaborative governance framework that reflects Indigenous community practice. We discuss how technology design and application developments have been undertaken in the context of a cooperative governance model, with the long-term view of enabling ecosystem participants to share responsibility for system development, operations, and benefits. The paper presents a provenance claims approach anchored in a Resources, Events, and Agents (REA) framework. It showcases the first version of a digital application that was developed by engaging a user community. How the application may be applied to other sectors is also briefly explored.

Blockchain has evolved as one of the disruptive technologies in the landscape of business. The study aims to investigate drivers of consumer adoption of blockchain for product origin and track to trace history before making a purchase. An extended technology adoption model (TAM) has been proposed to examine the consumer perspective for blockchain adoption in the food supply chain. Based on the survey of 208 retail consumers the proposed model was validated using variance-based structure equation modeling. Findings of the study emphasize the significant role of perceived security and privacy in developing trust, ease of use, and usefulness of blockchain-enabled systems. The relationship between perceived ease of use and attitude is mediated through perceived usefulness. The strong influence of attitude on adoption intention represents the consumer interest for blockchain to understand the product provenance. Study provides vital insights for successful blockchain implementation to enhance supply chain effectiveness.

Raw material supply chains are complex systems. They build on the presence of economically mineable mineral commodities that will undergo several steps until they are finally being used as consumer products. Trustworthiness into the transparency of a supply chain is of increasing importance, both to upstream and downstream companies. Any deviation from best-practice and quality standards in mining, processing and production is critically looked at by consumers. Therefore, certification systems and proof of origin concepts have emerged within the past years, aiming at providing transparency to supply chains. The analytical proof of origin for mineral raw materials could be beneficial to certification schemes in several ways. It represents the least corruptible method of provenance analysis as it relates directly to the chemical composition of the raw material. Other methods, such as documents, tracers, or barcodes, can be outmanoeuvred in one way or another.

This study sets forth a blockchain-driven system for safe, traceable, and effective supply chain management in manufacturing. It combines Ethereum blockchain, AI-powered fraud detection, and real-time tracing. A CNN-LSTM hybrid model was found most useful for anomaly detection, supplemented by smart contracts for automatic monitoring. The system was constructed with a React front-end, SQLite, Web3, Solidity, PyTorch, and an external API for geographical mapping. The outcomes demonstrate improvements in fraud detection, transparency, and operational efficiency, highlighting the feasibility of a scalable, tamper-evident architecture for intelligent supply chain systems.

IoT technologies cater to several applications and benefits in supply chain management (SCM), like real-time visibility, data analytics, and automation. IoT sensors and devices can be attached to assets, which include containers, pallets, and vehicles, to track their location, condition, and status in real-time. Asset tracking enables supply chain stakeholders to monitor the movement of merchandise at any point in the supply chain, recognizes delays or disruptions, and allows for logistics operation optimization. The process of integrating IoT devices with blockchain technology allows a secure and translucent data sharing and transactions along the supply chain. IoT platforms based on blockchain enable immutable records of product provenance, authenticity, and ownership that foster supply chain participants' transparency, traceability, and trust. The case study explored in this research examines such practical implementation. Organisations can create a more visible, efficient, agile supply chain by leveraging IoT applications for better customer satisfaction, cost reduction, and a competitive dimension in the market.

In recent times, the number of fake drugs has increased dramatically, which has resulted in millions of victims severely affected by poisoning and treatment failures, resulting in a need for Drug Supply Chain (DSC) traceability. The DSC is generally reluctant to share traceability data and includes several parties having heterogeneous interests. Moreover, existing provenance and traceability systems for DSCs need more trust, data sharing transparency, and separated data storage. By realizing decentralized, trustless systems, a decentralized Blockchain (BC)-based solution is proposed to tackle these constraints. BC is an immutable, decentralized, shared network that allows management directly through a peer-to-peer (P2P) network without the necessity of a central authority to check transactions. This study proposes a new Blockchain Non-Fungible Token-based Drug Traceability with Enhanced Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Management (BNFTDT-EPSCM) model. The proposed BNFTDT-EPSCM model presents transparent and more secure reporting of changes in the operating condition of transported pharmaceutical products to prevent drug recalls. The Ethereum BC enables transactions and computational services using the cryptocurrency Ether (ETH). Simultaneously, an enhanced Byzantine fault-tolerant consensus (RB-BFT) leverages a reputation system to address reliability issues of primary nodes and reduce communication complexity inherent in the Practical Byzantine algorithm (PBFT). The BNFTDT-EPSCM model presents a decentralized solution using Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) to improve the traceability and tracking capabilities of the standard serialization process. In addition, the BNFTDT-EPSCM model employs a Deep Belief Network (DBN) approach to perform the inbound logistics task prediction process. Finally, the Tasmanian Devil Optimization (TDO) method is utilized to enhance the hyperparameter tuning of the DBN approach. A detailed set of simulations was executed to examine the effectiveness of the BNFTDT-EPSCM approach, demonstrating a higher throughput at the highest user count of 6000 and achieving 551.22 TPS, significantly outperforming existing models.

This research explores the role of blockchain technologyin enhancingdata securitywithin modernsupply chains. As global supply chains become increasingly complex and vulnerable to risks such as fraud, counterfeiting, and data breaches, blockchain offers a promising solution to address these challenges. By leveraging its core features blockchain can improve transparency, trust, and traceability in supply chain operations. This study examines how these blockchain features can secure critical data elements, such as product provenance, inventory management, and financial transactions, ensuring their integrity and authenticity. The research also discusses the technical benefits of blockchain, including its ability to prevent unauthorized access, reduce fraud, and enhance collaboration among supply chain participants. Despite its advantages, the study identifies several limitations, including adoption barriers, scalability issues, and regulatory concerns. The findings suggest that while blockchain has the potential to revolutionize supply chain security, further research is needed to overcome these challenges and explore its broader applicability across various industries. Future studies should focus on improving scalability, exploring sector-specific implementations, and addressing the legal frameworks necessary for blockchain adoption.

Within the last decade, the Machine Learning (ML) supply chain has emerged with increasing complexity. This dissertation focuses on identifying and resolving the challenges faced by various stakeholders in the ML supply chain, including those relating to provenance and compliance tasks. These challenges will be identified through a combination of surveys, interviews, mining studies, and literature reviews. They will be addressed by employing Machine Learning Bills of Material (MLBOM) accompanied with appropriate automated tooling solutions. Our anticipated contributions include developing a rich understanding of practitioner needs, undertaking a comprehensive evaluation of the current ML supply chain, and implementing novel tooling solutions to assist ML supply chain stakeholders.

Modern supply chains are increasingly challenged by geographic dispersion, regulatory fragmentation, and technological inconsistency, leading to limited visibility, coordination inefficiencies, and trust gaps. These issues are especially critical in sectors requiring strict traceability and compliance, such as food, pharmaceuticals, and advanced manufacturing. This paper proposes a blockchain-based framework for decentralized supply chain governance. It integrates distributed ledgers, smart contracts, decentralized identifiers, and IoT-enabled monitoring to enhance transparency, automate verification, and enable secure, real-time data exchange. The framework is organized into three layers: data provenance, logic automation, and governance orchestration. Key governance trade-offs are examined, including the tension between decentralization and operational efficiency, and the role of human oversight in automated systems. The model also addresses legal variability and adoption barriers for small and medium enterprises, emphasizing institutional accountability and inclusive design as enablers of scalability. Aligned with national digital transformation agendas, the framework supports the development of resilient, interoperable, and participatory logistics ecosystems. The study concludes that effective blockchain deployment in supply chains requires balancing technical innovation with regulatory alignment and stakeholder inclusion. Future research should pursue empirical validation and policy integration to support scalable implementation

Healthcare supply chains, which span multiple organizational and geographical boundaries, form the backbone of essential services but are often plagued by complexities that introduce inaccuracies, lack of transparency, and limited data provenance. These issues facilitate the proliferation of counterfeit drugs, posing severe health risks and economic losses.Therefore, to guarantee product safety and get rid of counterfeits, pharmaceutical supply chains need a strong complete monitoring and tracking system. Traditional centralized systems face challenges regarding data privacy, transparency, and authenticity. In order to improve product traceability in healthcare supply chains, we suggest an Ethereum blockchainbased method that makes use of smart contracts and decentralized off-chain storage, such as the InterPlanetary File System (IPFS). Our approach eliminates middlemen, guarantees data provenance, and gives all stakeholders access to a safe, unchangeable transaction history. The system’s efficacy in enhancing traceability and preventing counterfeits in pharmaceutical supply chains is illustrated in this paper, which also includes a thorough cost analysis, operational algorithms, and a thorough testing and validation procedure.

Global supply chains deal with large volumes of essential products, and failure to track them back, whether in fake ingredients and slow recall, or faked records of certification, represents a huge challenge to the finances, policies, and even personal safety. The inability to provide real time checks between distributed stakeholders is characterized by fragmented systems, poor interoperability, and a failure to ensure scan-free audit trails on scale. The available strategies seek to fill these gaps but fail in critical aspects. The centralized ERP/MES systems do not enhance the entire visibility but introduce one-point systems of failure and poor data provenance. Public blockchains are not only immutable, but also have the disadvantage of having high transaction costs, high response time, and no data privacy. There is a better permission control, but there is no smooth fusion of the heterogeneous networks by Consortium blockchains. In the meantime, separate AI-powered risk detection systems are able to anticipate abnormalities, but are not incorporated into the execution layer to promptly institute remedial measures into the supply chain process. This paper proposes a privacy-preserving AI-integrated Layer-2 blockchain traceability framework that leverages Layer-2 rollups for scalable, low-cost event validation and AI-powered smart contracts for autonomous compliance and anomaly response. The design integrates IPFS-based off-chain storage, cross-chain interoperability, and decentralized identity verification (DID) to ensure privacy, scalability, and trust. Results demonstrate a $>99 \%$ reduction in transaction cost and sub-minute counterfeit detection, establishing a scalable model for global, high-value supply chains. Smart contracts that use AI carry out compliance through automatic performance in case of risk identification. Constant retraining pipelines and sharding-based scaling also ensure more flexibility of the system and its ability to fasten over the long term. Product traceability is brought out as scalable, auditable and privacy intended with this integrated design. It shows an innovative architecture that minimizes verification latency, enhances detection of frauds and does not have single point of failure. Combining real-time risk analytics with fully automated, completely independent enforcement, the proposed framework will provide end-to-end visibility needed in global, high-value, and safety-sensitive supply chains.

Pharmaceutical supply chain management (PSCM) aims to alleviate logistical challenges. However, traditional online pharma systems face issues during implementation, particularly regarding transparency and fostering mutual trust among stakeholders. The primary security goals for a supply chain management (SCM) solution are ensuring authentication, confidentiality, data provenance, and auditability. The proposed blockchain-based solution (BPSCM) is implemented in three phases: registration, pharmaceutical product circulation, and secure payment. The registration phase computes the identification number upon the hashed private key along with the Edwards-curve digital signature algorithm (EdDSA) for all the stakeholders. The pharm product circulation phase implements the transactions among the participants by developing smart contracts where cryptographic operators ensure data provenance. The security analysis demonstrates that the framework effectively mitigates impersonation and collusion attacks. Performance metrics, including gas consumption, throughput, latency, and computational cost, were examined and compared to standard PSCM frameworks to evaluate the BPSCM's effectiveness.

Enhancing supply chain traceability and efficiency in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector is critical for mitigating counterfeit losses and ensuring product integrity. This study proposes a comprehensive model for the implementation of blockchain technology tailored to the unique demands of the FMCG supply chain. The model emphasizes transparency, accountability, and real-time data sharing among stakeholders, including manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and consumers. By integrating blockchain, the FMCG industry can create a tamper-proof record of each transaction and product movement, significantly improving traceability from production to point-of-sale. Key components of the proposed model include a decentralized ledger that captures product information, provenance data, and transaction history. This approach facilitates efficient tracking of products, enhances supply chain visibility, and enables stakeholders to authenticate goods at any stage. Moreover, by employing blockchain’s smart contract functionality, the model allows for automated compliance verification and streamlined processes, reducing the time and resources required for audits and inspections. The study further explores potential extensions of blockchain technology to incorporate smart contracts that can automate various supply chain operations. These contracts can facilitate automatic payments upon delivery confirmation, trigger inventory replenishment orders based on real-time data, and enforce compliance with regulatory requirements without human intervention. By leveraging these technological advancements, FMCG companies can significantly reduce counterfeit losses and improve overall supply chain efficiency. This not only protects brand reputation but also fosters consumer trust, which is vital in an increasingly competitive market. The implications of this research highlight the transformative potential of blockchain technology in the FMCG sector, paving the way for future innovations in traceability and efficiency. In conclusion, this study presents a robust framework for blockchain implementation in the FMCG supply chain, addressing critical issues of traceability and counterfeiting while offering pathways for future enhancements through smart contracts.

Purpose Food sector supply chains have significant negative environmental impacts, including the expansion of global food commodity production, which is driving tropical deforestation – a major climate and biodiversity problem. Innovative supply chain monitoring services promise to address such impacts. Legislation also designates “forest-risk commodities”, demanding supply chain due diligence of their provenance. But such data alone does not produce change. This study investigates how theory in performance measurement and management (PMM) can combine with sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) and decision theory (DT) via case study research that addresses paradoxes of simplicity and complexity. Design/methodology/approach Given existing relevant theory but the nascent nature of the topic, theory elaboration via abductive case study research is conducted. Data collection involves interviews and participatory design workshops with supply chain actors across two supply chains (coffee and soy), exploring the potential opportunities and challenges of new deforestation monitoring services for food supply chains. Findings Two archetypal food supply chain structures (short food supply chains with high transparency and direct links between farmer and consumer and complex food supply chains with highly disaggregated and opaque links) provide a dichotomy akin to the known/unknown, structured/unstructured contexts in DT, enabling novel theoretical elaboration of the performance alignment matrix model in PMM, resulting in implications for practice and a future research agenda. Originality/value The novel conceptual synthesis of PMM, SSCM and DT highlights the importance of context specificity in developing PMM tools for SSCM and the challenge of achieving the general solutions needed to ensure that PMM, paradoxically, is both flexible to client needs and capable of replicable application to deliver economies of scale. To advance understanding of these paradoxes to develop network-level PMM systems to address deforestation impacts of food supply chains and respond to legislation, a future research agenda is presented.

Blockchain is a technology that combines a set of properties to guarantee network security, transparency, and visibility, including a decentralized structure, distributed notes and storage mechanism, consensus algorithm, intelligent contracts, and asymmetric encryption. Supply chain management activities, including supply chain management provenance, business process reengineering, and security enhancement, have enormous potential to be transformed by blockchain. This research uses the integrated interpretive structural modeling–cross‐impact matrix multiplication applied to classification (ISM‐MICMAC) technique to ascertain the hierarchical relationships and to comprehend the severity of interrelationships among various components in tackling our research questions. In MICMAC analysis, the enablers were classified into four categories based on their dependence and driving powers. The combined ISM‐MICMAC methodology employed for this study relies on experts’ individual evaluations and subjective assessments. Therefore, even with extreme caution, it is impossible to guarantee that the results are entirely devoid of personal biases. To further validate the linkages discovered in this study, we suggest employing more multiple‐criteria decision‐making (MCDM) methodologies and comparing the results with those of our research. Another method for confirming the results of the current study is to use an empirical research design based on survey methods.

The provenance of gemstones significantly enhances their value. However, both conventional supply chain management and digital systems are susceptible to counterfeiting, loss, and theft.Blockchain has emerged as a suitable technology to store tamper-proof records of gemstones allowing the storage of immutable journey of gemstones. This research article shows how the blockchain-based Ethereum network can be used for managing the supply chain of gemstones. Mining details, cutter information, digital certificates, proof of ownership, quality, and sales history ofgemstonescan be arranged in a two-tieredblockchain network to allow multiple organizations to securely share specific information within the organization and publicly. We cover the majorsupply chain exchanges for gemstones and end users with Ethereum smart contracts. We present that our suggested decentralized architecture-based solution can overcome many limitations in terms of immutability, traceability, verifiability, and security which exist in both conventional and digitalsupply chain management systems. Test scripts or smart contracts are publicly deployed on the Ethereum network.

Advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs) like cell and gene therapies offer transformative treatment options for many diseases. However, coordinating the decentralized, patient-specific manufacturing of autologous ATMPs across multiple hospitals poses major supply chain challenges. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of how blockchain technology can enhance decentralized ATMP manufacturing networks. First, background on ATMPs and complexities of decentralized production is reviewed. An overview of blockchain architecture, key attributes, and existing use cases then follows. The major opportunities for blockchain integration in ATMP manufacturing are discussed in depth, including tracking autologous products across locations, enabling data sharing between hospitals to power AI-based optimization, automating supply chain processes, and maintaining provenance records. Critical limitations around scalability, privacy, regulation, and adoption barriers are examined. Design considerations for developing blockchain ecosystems tailored to the unique ATMP environment are also explored. Blockchain shows immense promise for transforming visibility, coordination, automation, and data unification in decentralized ATMP manufacturing networks. Despite current challenges, blockchain is prepared to profoundly impact the advancement of personalized cell and gene therapies through enhanced supply chain instrumentation. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of this emerging technological innovation and its applications to address critical needs in ATMP translation and manufacturing.

In conjunction with the Internet of Things (IoT), the rapid development of blockchain technology is bringing about a revolution in the administration of assets, the provision of secure online communication, and the procedures involved in supply chain management. This study investigates the potential synergy between blockchain technology and the Internet of Things (IoT), focusing on how the combination of these two technologies can improve transparency, security, and efficiency across a variety of industries. Since blockchain technology offers a distributed and unchangeable record that guarantees the authenticity and provenance of data, it is ideally suited for the management of assets in a manner that is open and transparent. In the meantime, Internet of Things devices produce enormous volumes of data that can be safely shared and recorded on blockchain, which ultimately makes real-time monitoring and traceability much easier to accomplish. Among the applications that are investigated in this study are smart contracts, which are able to automate transactions; secure identity verification systems; and enhanced supply chain management, which increases visibility and responsibility. Furthermore, the paper analyzes the difficulties that are associated with putting this technology into practice, including scalability, energy consumption, and interoperability on a variety of different platforms. In the end, this paper highlights the revolutionary impact of combining blockchain technology with the Internet of Things (IoT). It presents a roadmap for future innovations and applications that have the potential to redefine how we manage assets, ensure secure communications, and streamline supply chain processes.

In the current global marketplace supply chains can span a huge number of countries, cross many borders and require interoperation of a multitude of organizations. This vastness of supply chains impacts business competitiveness since it adds complexity and can difficult securing traceability, chain of custody and transparency. We propose that assuring chain of custody and traceability via Blockchain (BC) allows organizations to demonstrate product provenance, integrity and compliance. This work proposes that to effect true traceability the more complete approach is to connect both the Supply Chain Actors (SCAs) and products identifications using digital certificates. A Blockchain is used to manage the traceability of products and validation of the identities. Importing, verifying and storing the certificates uses an off-chain data storage solution for products certificates, IDs and data (i.e., WalliD) . To create, validate the certificates and setup the chain of trust a Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) was designed as part of the proposal. Our study follows a Design Science research approach aimed to analyse the requirements and propose a solution to a more complete traceability in supply chains. The results were architectural artifacts, including an Ethereum Smart Contract and a PKI based certificate authentication system. The implementation of these deliverables allow for a supply chain system that can provide decentralized and trustful assurance of the provenance, chain of custody and traceability functionalities for all the Organizations and also for the final consumers. To exemplify the problem and demonstrate the applicability of the solution, its potential and benefits we applied it to a real food supply chain use case that already uses provenance certificates and stored them in the blockchain using the before mentioned SmartContract to assure and demonstrate the chain of custody and traceability of the food produce.

Blockchain and IoT has been a subject of much research interest in supply chain management because it tends to improve traceability and visibility of products. It enables them to address some concerns with data such as data quality or the trustworthiness of the data and the kind of issues with data compatibility that are highly relevant in present day supply chains. The main aim of this study is to understand the benefits of combining blockchain and IoT in improving the supply chain’s transparency and traceability and also the levels of supply chain optimization attainable with this technology. Both quantitative and qualitative methodology has been implemented for this study where content analysis has been implemented to discuss the study’s aim and objectives. 40 were sampled for the quantitative analysis. Descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression analysis were tested.  Blockchain and IoT devices are observed to be effective and important for improving transparency and supply chain traceability. Regarding the quantitative analysis; statistically significant relationship has been determined between the variables, implying a strong and positive influence and association between the variables.

Blockchain technology has a great potential to transform how businesses approach sustainability by offering transparency, efficiency, and accountability across various processes. By adopting blockchain, businesses can not only meet growing consumer and regulatory demands for sustainability but also create competitive advantages by promoting resource efficiency, fostering trust, and building eco‐conscious operations. Building on dynamic capabilities lens within the resource‐based view (RBV) framework, and in order to know about antecedents and consequences of blockchain technology adoption, this study investigates how three types of organizational capabilities—namely, innovation capability, information‐sharing capability, and technological capability—may facilitate the blockchain technology adoption and most importantly, how such adoption could impact firm performance. To test our research hypotheses, we collected survey data from 198 electronics companies in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The structural equation modelling has been used to test the model hypothesis. The findings showed that all three organizational capabilities—innovation capability, information‐sharing capability, and technological capability—significantly facilitate blockchain technology adoption, which in turn leads to enhanced firm performance in small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises, demonstrating the strategic value of blockchain in driving sustainability and competitiveness in electronics companies.

No abstract available

With the capacity to increase security and transparency, blockchain technology is being used as an interesting subject of investigation in the fashion industry. This underscores the importance of this current research endeavour. In terms of supply chain transparency, the fashion industry faces considerable barriers, thus requiring new approaches such as blockchain that can address issues such as child labour, unethical payment practices, and environmental impact. Main objective of this research is to identify how blockchain technology can improve transparency, accountability, and compliance with ethical standards. However, knowledge of the specific ways in which blockchain technology can improve transparency in the fashion supply chain, including the drivers and barriers, needs to be improved. The research method is described through a qualitative approach that includes in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and document analysis to collect data from various stakeholders in the industry, including manufacturers, distributors, and consumers. Explanation provides an overview of how the researcher collected and analysed data to achieve the research objectives. Blockchain increases transparency through the provision of verifiable and durable product records and fosters consumer-brand trust. Blockchain facilitates accountability and compliance with environmental and ethical standards, according to key findings. Research detected significant barriers, including exorbitant costs for implementation, limited knowledge of technology, and difficulties in fostering collaboration among relevant parties. Results of this study have far-reaching consequences, providing valuable insights to fashion industry stakeholders on how to overcome barriers to blockchain adoption. Long-term benefits of enhanced supply chain transparency and strategic recommendations ensure a smooth implementation process.

Agriculture supply chain transparency has attracted a lot of attention lately. The idea relates to how easily relevant information regarding the production, processing, and distribution of agricultural goods is accessible to all parties involved in the agricultural supply chain, from farmers to consumers. For several reasons, including environmental sustainability, ethical sourcing, and food safety, it is imperative to maintain openness. The intricate and disjointed nature of the agricultural supply chain has made it difficult to attain complete transparency. A possible way to deal with these issues is through the use of blockchain technology. Blockchain can improve agricultural product traceability and accountability by offering a decentralized, irreversible ledger of transactions. With the use of this technology, supply chain players may access and validate information instantly, lowering the possibility of fraud and increasing overall efficiency.

The European Union is tackling the challenge of reducing its environmental impact and carbon footprint: the Green Deal, promoted in 2022, is one of the most important regulations proposed by the European Union in terms of sustainability. The goal of this regulation is to make the production of almost all of the products manufactured in Europe more friendly to the environment and energy efficient. This regulation also introduces the Digital Product Passport, a tool designed to collect and share product data across all the phases of its lifecycle. The digital product passport aims to enable secure and transparent communication of essential product information among all economic stakeholders. This initiative is designed to enhance the sustainability and circularity of products. It also serves as a tool for regulatory authorities to ensure manufacturers meet legal requirements and assists consumers in making well-informed purchasing choices. Considering the utility of such information, it is crucial to make them the more trustworthy as possible. Leveraging blockchain’s inherent characteristics, like transparency and data immutability, ensures that the passport remains consistently verifiable and reliable. In this paper, we addressed the challenge of implementing a blockchain-based digital product passport, providing a detailed description of the required features and possible use cases and proposing some practical ideas for the implementation.

The integration of blockchain technology into Supply Chain Management (SCM) is revolutionizing the way businesses track and manage goods across global networks. This paper explores the potential of blockchain integration with SAP (Systems, Applications, and Products in Data Processing) to enhance transparency, security, and efficiency in supply chain operations. Blockchain's decentralized ledger offers an immutable and transparent record of transactions, which is particularly valuable in industries requiring robust traceability, such as pharmaceuticals, food, and manufacturing. By leveraging SAP’s enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, businesses can integrate blockchain to streamline data flow, ensuring that each step in the supply chain—from raw material procurement to final product delivery—is accurately recorded and visible to all authorized stakeholders. This integration addresses common challenges in traditional SCM, including fraud, data inconsistencies, and delays. Moreover, it enables real-time tracking of goods, automates contract execution through smart contracts, and reduces costs associated with intermediaries. The combination of SAP’s robust data management capabilities and blockchain’s transparency provides a solid foundation for improving operational performance, building trust with consumers, and complying with regulatory requirements. The paper also discusses the technical challenges and implementation strategies for integrating blockchain with SAP, along with its potential impact on improving the overall supply chain process. In conclusion, the fusion of blockchain and SAP presents a compelling solution for organizations seeking to achieve greater supply chain visibility and operational efficiency

Blockchain Technology emerged to be one of the smart solutions to ease the functionality of many real time applications due to its decentralized nature, high security and distributed decentralized ledger. Many people have started questioning about the production process of food product that will ultimately be sold at market and retail shops. Blockchain provides viable solution to track the complete process of crop production from harvesting to food products. Therefore, agro business are increasingly searching for supply chain management application that may help to improve the standard of safe food handling, quality and traceability through the agricultural supply chains. Implementing blockchain into the food supply chain makes it more transparent in its operations thus boosting visibility as well as traceability of items from farms to grocery shops. Furthermore, this action mitigates financial risks and promotes all-inclusive commerce. The proposed method able to avoids trusted centralized authorities, middlemen or transaction records but rather permitting direct interaction among peers by having their own personal blockchains. The systematic capturing of transaction at each stage of manufacturing cycle with transparency in the transactions with blockchain security. The aim of this research work to enable the consumers to access the product information from the origin of their food product, including its environmental footprints, storage, food processing etc., beyond food supply chain traceability and transparency this research work aims to find new applications in farming. These may include crop management, food authentication, crop insurance etc., overall to improve the agriculture practices.

Blockchain technology and smart contracts are emerging as transformative tools for enhancing transparency and efficiency in supply chain management and vendor relations. Traditional supply chains often face challenges such as inefficiencies, lack of transparency, and susceptibility to fraud (Kouhizadeh & Sarkis, 2018). Blockchain, a decentralized ledger technology, coupled with smart contracts, which are self-executing contracts with the terms directly written into code, offers promising solutions to these challenges (Wang, Han, & Beynon-Davies, 2019). This paper explores the application of blockchain and smart contracts in these domains, examining their potential to provide immutable records, streamline processes, and mitigate risks (Casado-Vara et al., 2018). Through a comprehensive analysis of current literature and case studies, we identify key benefits including improved transparency, enhanced efficiency, and better risk management (Christidis & Devetsikiotis, 2016; Tian, 2016). Our findings suggest that blockchain and smart contracts can significantly improve supply chain transparency and vendor management, though their implementation requires careful consideration of technical, regulatory, and organizational factors (Saberi et al., 2019). Notable case studies, such as Walmart’s blockchain pilot for food safety and De Beers' diamond tracking initiative, illustrate the practical benefits and challenges of adopting these technologies in real-world scenarios (Casino, Dasaklis, & Patsakis, 2019; Kshetri, 2018). Despite the promising outlook, further research is needed to address scalability, interoperability, and regulatory compliance issues to fully realize the potential of blockchain and smart contracts in supply chain management (Hughes et al., 2019).

This study examines the integration of blockchain technology to improve transparency and regulatory compliance in the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) supply chain. Currently, SAF production experiences a 15% discrepancy in feedstock traceability, causing inefficiencies and regulatory issues. Blockchain’s decentralized ledger offers a secure, immutable record of transactions, decreasing fraud risks and enhancing traceability by up to 30%. Through case studies and data analysis, the research evaluates blockchain’s potential to reduce operational costs by 20%, while ensuring compliance and fostering trust among stakeholders. By tracking SAF from feedstock acquisition to final distribution, blockchain technology enhances adherence to environmental standards and boosts operational efficiency by 25%. The findings indicate that blockchain could significantly contribute to a more transparent and sustainable SAF production model.

Supply chain management faces numerous challenges, such as service redundancy problems with interdepartmental coordination, and a lack of standardization that is made worse by a lack of transparency. Since traditional methods of detection, such as RFID tags, artificial intelligence, and QR code systems, have limitations, product counterfeiting is a serious threat to legitimate businesses. By tracking the products' supply chain history, the decentralized architecture, data transparency, and immutability of blockchain technology are used by the system in order to guarantee the identification and traceability of authentic products. This paper presents an innovative solution combining blockchain technology, QR codes, and machine learning to detect fake products effectively. The innate security characteristics of blockchain technology provide strong defense against data manipulation and vulnerabilities, protecting the interests of consumers and legitimate businesses.

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In today's complex global economy, ensuring transparency and traceability across supply chains has become a top priority for businesses, regulators, and consumers. Traditional supply chain management systems often suffer from data silos, manual errors, and delayed reporting, which compromise efficiency and accountability. This study proposes a conceptual framework for real-time data tracking and reporting using Blockchain and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to revolutionize supply chain transparency. The integration of Blockchain ensures immutable, decentralized, and tamper-proof data recording, while AI enables intelligent data analytics, anomaly detection, and predictive insights throughout the supply chain lifecycle. The framework is designed to enhance end-to-end visibility, improve trust among stakeholders, and optimize decision-making processes through continuous data synchronization and smart contracts. Key components of the framework include decentralized ledger infrastructure, AI-driven data processing engines, Internet of Things (IoT) sensor integration for real-time monitoring, and secure APIs for multi-stakeholder access. By combining these technologies, the framework facilitates seamless data flow across manufacturing, warehousing, transportation, and retail segments. Moreover, it enables real-time auditing, reduces the risk of fraud, and enhances compliance with environmental and ethical standards. Case studies in the pharmaceutical, food, and electronics industries highlight the applicability and scalability of the proposed model. The paper also addresses implementation challenges such as interoperability, data privacy, and the need for regulatory alignment. The conceptual model advocates for cross-industry collaboration and the standardization of digital supply chain practices through open-source protocols and blockchain consortiums. This framework contributes to academic and practical discourse by offering a transformative roadmap for supply chain digitization using emerging technologies. It underscores the potential of AI-enhanced blockchain solutions in ensuring transparency, boosting operational efficiency, and empowering consumers with verifiable product provenance data. The research concludes that adopting this model can significantly improve global supply chain resilience and accountability in an increasingly interconnected marketplace.

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This research examines how Blockchain and AI might improve energy supply chain transparency. These technologies are discussed to solve energy supply chain inefficiencies, fraud, and transparency while encouraging sustainability and operational optimization. The paper evaluates Blockchain and AI applications in energy systems using secondary data from literature, case studies, and industry sources. In summary, Blockchain provides an immutable and decentralized ledger for transparency and data integrity, while AI improves operational efficiency via predictive analytics, demand forecasting, and asset management. These technologies provide real-time tracking, cost reduction, and renewable energy integration. Scalability, data integrity, and regulatory ambiguity remain issues for Blockchain. The paper also stresses the need for clear legislative frameworks to govern energy industry blockchain and AI deployment. Policymakers should stimulate innovation, invest in digital infrastructure, and set safe and efficient technology integration standards. The study shows that Blockchain and AI can transform energy supply chains by improving transparency, efficiency, and sustainability and solving sector issues.

The pharmaceutical supply chain is plagued by counterfeit and substandard drugs, contributing to significant patient harm and economic losses estimated at over $200 billion annually. This study offers a comprehensive analysis of blockchain technology's role in improving transparency and drug traceability from 2015 to 2022. Employing a mixed-methods approach—including systematic review of literature, examination of 128 implementations across 42 countries, case studies, and quantitative metrics—the research tracks adoption trends, technological frameworks, and outcomes. Findings indicate exponential growth in blockchain projects after 2018, predominantly using permissioned platforms such as Hyperledger Fabric. Implementations reduced drug traceability time from 7–14 days to seconds, cut counterfeit incidents by 31.2%, accelerated product recalls by 89%, and achieved ROI within an average of 21 months through savings in losses, recalls, and operations. While interoperability, scalability, and regulatory hurdles remain challenges, blockchain substantially enhances patient safety, compliance, and efficiency.

Transparency is an essential component of any fruitful store network. As each part of the inventory network Transparency influences all others, there actually must be clear correspondence channels for all parts to work durably. As far as the exchange of information, all channels and portions of the framework need to all the while get a similar data. Many stores network coordinated factors organizations have accomplished a specific level of this Transparency using blockchain. Blockchain gives all social occasions inside a singular store network with induction to comparative information through a chain of data sharing. Basically, an innovation permits validated information correspondence between parties without the intermediation of a center man or confided in focal association. This framework is generally helpful in decreasing correspondence and move mistakes, which means less time spent approving information. Thus, there is additional opportunity to be spent on additional imperative practices, for example, conveying work and items while chipping away at quality and reducing cost. This is an exceptionally invaluable production network the executive’s framework, and that is the reason such countless organizations use it - yet it’s going to go above and beyond. New mechanical headways in blockchain are introducing promising open doors for streamlining and improvement across the production network. Executing blockchain in your production network can possibly altogether expand Transparency and recognizability, as well as decreasing expenses

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Addressing challenges such as centralization, data tampering, and information silos within traditional supply chain transparency frameworks, we leverage the decentralized, immutable, and traceable attributes of blockchain technology. Given the multitude of participating nodes and the extensive volume of tracking data in Manufacturing-as-a-Service (MaaS) supply chains, we initially propose a master-slave multi-chain data storage model tailored for MaaS supply chain transparency. Building upon this, to enhance blockchain performance in this context and address the issues of high communication overhead, low consensus efficiency, and the absence of dynamic mechanisms inherent in the Practical Byzantine Fault Tolerance (PBFT) method, we introduce the Service Quality Scoring Based Practical Byzantine Fault Tolerance (SQS-PBFT) method. By incorporating the service quality scoring model for optimal master node selection, we aim to improve consensus efficiency; through the node tiering mechanism and consensus protocol optimization, we reduce communication costs; and by establishing the dynamic node mechanism for flexible node entry and exit, we enhance system flexibility. Experiments demonstrate that with an increasing number of nodes, the proposed SQS-PBFT method results in about 29.47% lower communication overhead, about 25.11% higher throughput, about 19.98% reduced latency, and about 36.15% reduced malicious behavior, thus offering improved consensus efficiency and serving as a reference for MaaS supply chain transparency.

This study aims to identify various Industry 4.0 technological enablers and analyze their relationships in achieving transparency in sustainable supply chains. Initially, 17 Industry 4.0 technological enablers were selected based on an extensive literature review of sustainable supply chains and evaluated through Systems and Information Processing theories. Using the fuzzy Delphi method, these enablers were then narrowed down to 14 relevant ones. The reliability of these enablers was assessed by measuring their internal consistency using Cronbach's alpha (α) and McDonald's omega (ω). The fuzzy Decision‐Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) method was then used to demonstrate that blockchain, cybersecurity, big data, and artificial intelligence (AI) are the most prominent and influential enablers for enhancing transparency in a sustainable supply chain. Additionally, the cause–effect relationship of other key enablers provides evidence for a feasibility study that links sustainability with transparency across the supply chain. These identified Industry 4.0 technological enablers can assist external stakeholders and policymakers in improving transparency and advancing sustainable supply chain practices.

The increasing concerns over product safety and adulteration risks have heightened the need for traceability and transparency in supply chains. Blockchain technology provides a potential solution, but its adoption involves costs and strategic decisions about information disclosure. This study investigates a dual-channel supply chain consisting of a supplier and a retailer under four blockchain technology adoption scenarios and two market power structures, where the supplier uses a price-matching policy in the online channel. Stackelberg game models are formulated, and backward induction is used to derive equilibrium decisions on retail price, wholesale price, and amount of blockchain-linked information. The supplier and retailer equilibrium decisions and profits are analyzed and compared across different blockchain technology adoption scenarios and market power structures. Numerical analyses are used to verify the main theoretical results and examine the influences of the parameter values on the equilibrium results. The findings reveal the supplier’s strong incentive to adopt blockchain technology and the retailer’s decision complexity influenced by factors such as consumer shopping convenience, consumer preferences, and retailer competitive position. Additionally, the findings underscore the supplier profitability potential through the traditional retail channel and the value of the price-matching policy to optimise profits for both the supply chain members.

Blockchain for Marketing Transparency and Trust: Applications in Supply Chain and Customer Loyalty Programs. The increasing demand for transparency and trust in marketing practices necessitates innovative solutions. This paper explores the potential of blockchain technology to enhance transparency and build trust in two critical marketing areas: supply chain management and customer loyalty programs. By providing a decentralized, immutable, and auditable ledger, blockchain can offer unprecedented visibility into product origins, ethical sourcing, and the secure management of loyalty rewards. 1 This study examines the theoretical underpinnings of blockchain and analyzes potential applications and benefits for both businesses and consumers. Specifically, it investigates how blockchain can improve supply chain transparency by tracking product journeys from origin to consumer, and how it can revolutionize customer loyalty programs by ensuring secure and transparent reward distribution and redemption. Furthermore, the paper discusses the challenges and opportunities associated with implementing blockchain in these marketing contexts. Ultimately, this research argues that blockchain technology holds significant promise for fostering greater transparency and trust, leading to stronger brand-consumer relationships and more ethical marketing practices.

PURPOSE: With a focus on enhancing transparency, lowering the risk of fraud, and ensuring ethical sourcing practices, this research aims to investigate how blockchain and IoT technologies can be incorporated into the diamond supply chain. This study addresses the complexities and challenges of implementing these technologies in an industry characterized by fragmented information sharing and centralized data storage. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: Using both qualitative and quantitative analysis, the research uses a mixed-methods approach. While secondary data was obtained from previously published works, industry reports, and case studies, primary data was gathered through semi-structured interviews with professionals in the field. The implementation of the prototype system was carried out in three phases: Define, Operate, and Test. Ethereum was chosen for its smart contract capabilities, and various IoT sensors were deployed to monitor environmental conditions and track the real-time location of diamonds. FINDINGS: The integration of blockchain and IoT technologies significantly enhanced transparency within the diamond supply chain. The immutable nature of blockchain ensured tamper-proof records of transactions, while IoT sensors provided continuous real-time data, reinforcing transparency. The study observed a notable reduction in fraud due to the robust mechanisms of the system, which detected and prevented unauthorized alterations to the recorded data. Smart contracts automated compliance checks, ensuring adherence to ethical standards. Quantitative analysis revealed improvements in key metrics such as fraud reduction rates, transparency enhancements, and adherence to ethical sourcing standards. ORIGINALITY/VALUE: This study bridges a notable gap in existing research by focusing on the diamond supply chain. It provides comprehensive, data-driven insights and practical recommendations for industry stakeholders and policymakers. The results highlight how combining blockchain and IoT technology can improve operational efficiency, transparency, and ethical practices in the diamond business. It is also feasible and scalable. The study's methods and findings add a great deal to the body of information already in existence and provide a framework for further investigation and application in related situations.

The innovation of blockchain technologies into supply chain management is incremental by nature, attending to waste aspects and issues that are very old within SCM. As such, this reflection seeks to highlight the multifaceted benefits of blockchain in enhancing simplicity, traceability, security, and efficiency within supply chains. Blockchain provides a decentralized, permanent system of record that allows trust and honesty between partners; all valuable information is recorded in an imperishable way. Moreover, intelligent contracts mechanize some forms involved in supply chains, such as the processing of payments and inventory management, which reduces to a large extent not only regulatory costs but also human error. The high level of security measures is ensured by blockchain’s ability to encrypt this data and thus ensure information availability in case of sophisticated cyber threats. Such improvement in security reduces extortion and tampering, providing a more secure supply chain. This innovation further simplifies the administrative compliance, providing an accessible, verifiable record of each exchange. Not only this, but it also offers a way to verify whether material sources and technical support standards meet prevailing standards, thereby promoting brand identity to customers for the brand marked on a product and enhancing customer trust in a brand.

Blockchain Logistics: A Guided Investigation of Operations Management Solutions and Applications is a perfect starting point for professionals working in supply chain management—defeating speculation, risk and uncertainty: the authors encourage readers to read through this for their RTX knowledge: Despite ample research in the area, studies are mostly a mixture of theory without methodological complexity (the practical aspect is missing), not a cost-benefit analysis, and not scalable or compliant with regulation. This paper fills the gaps by presenting an energy-efficient, scalable and privacy-preserving blockchain framework for multi-industry supply chain operations. The article details its exploration for smart contracts to utilize also advanced mechanisms, automated AI or cloud and IoT integrated smart contracts for real-time tracking and decision making. It also offers a hybrid blockchain model which utilizes ZKP and DAOs for enhanced governance and security. A cost-benefit analysis for blockchain implementation in logistics is done. Moreover, this study also assesses legal and regulatory aspects, addressing compliance with international trade regulations like GDPR and HIPAA. Results exhibit a remarkable decrease in fraud, improvement in efficiency, and minimization in supply chain disruptions through the analysis of several blockchain anchored supply chain frameworks. It validates this proposed model through real-world case studies from the pharmaceutical, agro, and electronic industries. This important research helps to pioneer sustainable, scalable and resilient supply chain ecosystems that solve traditional issues that have historically hampered the adoption of blockchains.

Abstract This article explores reporting on supply chain sustainability from the perspective of opportunities and challenges for multinational manufacturing companies, considering the evolved European Union (EU) regulations and the scope and complexity of international supply chains. In the theoretical part, we examine corporate sustainability reporting, focusing on EU regulatory framework, sustainability in international supply chain management, and reporting on supply chain sustainability. The empirical analysis is based on the secondary and primary data gathered from a non-random sample of Slovenian multinational manufacturing companies from B2B industry. The analysis shows that the companies discussed included information on supply chain sustainability in their sustainability reports; however, they weren’t very well-prepared for the requirements of the new EU sustainability reporting directives. We found they perceived opportunities and challenges in supply chain sustainability reporting similarly. Our research findings have several implications for corporate sustainability management and national institutional business support.

Ethical and sustainable business practices in global supply chains have become a major concern for firms. Media stakeholders hold firms accountable for the environmentally unethical behavior of their suppliers. Based on agenda-setting theory and stakeholder theory, this study presents a model that shows how various internal and external factors explain media reporting of environmental supply chain sustainability risks. It also examines the role of firms’ risk avoidance practices. The study uses regression analysis of secondary data from 541 buying firms. The results show that the size and brand visibility of buying firms, and their affiliation to high-risk industries increase the frequency of media coverage of suppliers’ environmental misconduct, while their affiliation to high-risk countries decreases the frequency of media coverage. In addition, companies can reduce media coverage by implementing proactive supply chain sustainability risk avoidance practices. However, reactive supply chain sustainability risk avoidance practices are not effective in reducing media coverage.

This paper explores the transformative role of blockchain technology in advancing the sustainability of supply chain management within the context of the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) regulation. As companies grapple with an expanded scope under the CSRD, encompassing a broader array of reporting entities, the need for robust and innovative solutions becomes increasingly evident. Blockchain, with its inherent characteristics of transparency, security, and decentralized consensus, emerges as a promising tool to address the multifaceted challenges associated with sustainable supply chain management. The paper investigates the role of blockchain in fostering sustainability across various dimensions of the supply chain, including ethical sourcing, environmental conservation, and the empowerment of local communities. The “Fashion Passport” project represents a case study of blockchain solutions to the fashion industry, with a specific focus on traceability. By utilizing blockchain, the “Fashion Passport” project aims to verify the authenticity and origin of garments throughout the supply chain. Through this case study, the paper aims to elucidate how blockchain technology acts as a catalyst for positive change, empowering businesses to align their operations with sustainable practices.

This study aimed to empirically examine the influence of sustainability reporting (SR) and supply chain management (SCM) practices on the performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). A sequential explanatory mixed-methods research design was employed. Quantitative data were collected through a structured questionnaire from 203 SMEs under the Jakpreneur program in Jakarta, Indonesia, and analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). Qualitative data were collected through in-depth interviews and observations with SME owners, practitioners, and government regulators to contextualize the quantitative findings. The quantitative analysis revealed that key SCM dimensions—namely product development, production processes, and distribution—positively and significantly influence SME performance. In contrast, SR dimensions (economic value, social network and innovation, and eco-efficiency and energy) and the SCM dimensions of supplier relations and customer returns management did not show a statistically significant impact. Qualitative insights explain these results, indicating that SMEs perceive formal SR as complex and costly, while supplier relationships remain largely transactional. This study provides an integrated, empirically tested model that links specific SR and SCM practices to holistic SME performance. It offers novel evidence from an emerging-market context, demonstrating that operational SCM practices are stronger performance drivers than formal sustainability reporting for micro- and small enterprises. The mixed-methods approach yields nuanced insights valuable for both academia and practice. The findings suggest that policymakers and business support agencies should develop simplified guidelines and tools for SR adoption tailored to SME capabilities. Concurrently, enhancing SME competency in core supply chain operations—product development, production, and distribution—should be prioritized to improve immediate performance and lay the foundation for long-term sustainability integration.

Global concern over the sustainability impacts of food products has grown considerably in recent years, driven by heightened awareness of environmental issues and the rising demand for sustainably produced foods. In response, industries are increasingly offering sustainable product options and utilizing ecolabels to communicate environmental and social impacts. While product labelling has become one of the most widely adopted tools for conveying sustainability information, existing ecolabeling approaches often face challenges of trust, transparency, and consistency. Current ecolabels are typically issued by supply-chain stakeholders or independent third-party certifiers; however, limitations in accountability and verification hinder consumer confidence. To address these challenges, this study proposes a Blockchain-based Sustainability Information Management and Reporting (BSIMR) model that integrates blockchain technology with sustainability indicators. The framework is designed to provide a standardized, transparent, and reliable approach for managing and verifying sustainability claims across food supply chains. By enhancing traceability, accountability, and consistency in sustainability auditing, the BSIMR model aims to empower consumers with trustworthy information and support industries in meeting sustainability commitments. The feasibility and applicability of the proposed framework are demonstrated through a proof-of-concept case study on sustainability information management in the rice supply chain.

The disclosure of value chains—particularly supply chains—in the European Union (EU) banking sector represents an emerging area of sustainability research. Triggered by the 2024 enforcement of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRSs), EU-listed banks are now required to report on value chain impacts as part of their sustainability disclosures. This regulatory shift has positioned value chain transparency as a key element in double materiality assessments. This study explores the data-driven potential within commercial banks’ supply chains, focusing on the Polish financial sector as a case study. The methodology combines a literature review with a case study analysis supported by a comparative analysis using the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) Materiality Navigator tool. The findings indicate that banks currently do not consider upstream supply chain issues—such as data security, privacy, or systemic risk—as material, despite their relevance. However, by extending materiality considerations to upstream processes, the analysis uncovers significant data-driven opportunities related to supply chain transparency. This research contributes early empirical insights into how banks might develop value chain disclosures to understand accountability and data-driven potential better, offering implications for both academic inquiry and practice.

This study seeks to examine the interconnections and potential influencing factors between firms' sustainability initiatives and the pressures exerted by industry associations for sustainability reporting. Given the reluctance of many firms to disclose their sustainability efforts, particular attention is directed toward the Italian meat and cured meat industry, with a focus on uncovering the drivers that link firms' sustainability actions to the level of engagement by industry associations in promoting sustainability reporting. Employing a multiple case study design, this research adopts a qualitative and interpretative methodology, leveraging semi‐structured interviews to elucidate pertinent strengths and weaknesses associated with both external and internal factors, as well as managerial strategies. Encompassing various stages of the supply chain, from genetic selection and animal husbandry to processing and distribution, this study aims to bridge a gap in the existing literature on sustainability reporting by shedding light on firms' approaches to both reporting and action. Furthermore, it offers novel insights into the often‐overlooked meso‐level factors influencing firms' propensity for sustainability reporting, including the role played by trade associations.

This study investigates the influence of contextual Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting and green supply chain accounting on cost efficiency and credit assessment of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in West Java. Using a quantitative research design, data were collected from 250 MSME respondents through structured questionnaires and analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling–Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS) 3. The findings indicate that contextual ESG reporting and green supply chain accounting significantly enhance cost efficiency by reducing operational waste and optimizing resource use. Both variables also positively influence credit assessment, reflecting the growing recognition by financial institutions of sustainable business practices as indicators of financial credibility and resilience. These results highlight the dual benefits of sustainability practices, providing MSMEs with internal efficiency gains and external access to financing opportunities. The study contributes to the literature by emphasizing the relevance of ESG and green supply chain practices for MSMEs in emerging economies, offering both theoretical insights and practical implications for policymakers, business owners, and financial institutions in supporting sustainable economic development.

This article examines how enterprise reporting systems serve as critical infrastructure for achieving supply chain transparency. As organizations face increasing regulatory requirements and stakeholder demands for ethical sourcing and sustainability, these systems enable the systematic collection, processing, and dissemination of supply chain information. The article establishes the conceptual foundations of transparency, including its relationship with trust and the transformation of information into action. It details architectural patterns that balance openness with confidentiality through role-based access controls, privacy-preserving aggregation, and cryptographic audit trails. Technical implementation considerations address integration architecture, data quality management, and user experience design for diverse stakeholders. Case studies across consumer goods, pharmaceutical, and automotive sectors demonstrate how well-designed reporting systems enhance visibility while supporting compliance, reputation management, and operational improvement objectives. The evolving nature of transparency expectations necessitates the continued advancement of these systems through emerging technologies to create a sustainable competitive advantage.

Global oil and gas supply chain ensures energy security of the world; however, faces significant compliance pressure on environmental footprints and allegation of overwhelming in sustainability reporting from the society. This paper proposes a natural language processing based unified framework to evaluate the environmental compliances as per global standards and greenwashing detection. It extracts keywords and numeric data from the sustainability reports, analyses sentiments for the entire supply chain operations, and matches with the pre trained global standard thresholds as per the United Nation Climate Action Declaration 2022 to classify the compliances and mark the probable greenwashing. Thus, the study offers a valuable tool for stakeholders and regulators to assess accuracy and transparency in corporate sustainability practices.

PurposeSustainability in the cocoa industry is a wicked problem – a grand challenge that the world, including accountants, must tackle. Issues such as child labour, poverty and environmental degradation continue to plague the cocoa supply chain. However, current accounting and reporting techniques fail to address these challenges effectively. This paper explores how a sustainability accounting tool, the Chocolate Scorecard, can contribute to meaningful change when combined with dialogue.Design/methodology/approachThis paper examines the dialogue surrounding the Chocolate Scorecard. Between 2022 and 2023, we conducted 56 feedback sessions with NGOs, researchers and chocolate companies to discuss the Chocolate Scorecard’s results, areas for improvement and overall value. We analysed these conversations using thematic analysis and an accountability framework to synthesise the findings.FindingsOur analysis reveals that the Chocolate Scorecard positively influences the industry by encouraging improvements in corporate social and environmental policies and practices. We also find that company size affects competitive dynamics and that some companies remain committed to progress despite feeling disheartened by their scores. Overall, we demonstrate that dialogue acts as a catalyst for enhanced accountability and meaningful change.Social implicationsPartnerships and stakeholder dialogue are crucial to addressing wicked problems. Collaborating with NGOs and engaging with companies across the cocoa supply chain fosters communication and strengthens accountability, which are both key steps toward resolving sustainability challenges in the industry.Originality/valueThis paper responds to the Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal’s call for research on grand challenges. It contributes to the discourse on how accounting academics can participate in accountability processes that positively impact the sustainability of the cocoa supply chain.

Environmental impact reporting has become a lynchpin for global agri-food supply chain decision-making. This importance has become heightened as governing bodies such as the European Union pass traceability legislation in an effort to reduce Scope 3 emissions. Despite this heightened importance, few studies have explored the role of supply chain management software in achieving sustainability goals within the agribusiness sector. This article provides a current perspective on ongoing supply chain and logistics software issues that might restrict the effectiveness of sustainability reporting. We argue that agribusinesses may struggle to achieve sustainability targets effectively without proficiency in supply chain software. This research contributes to the field by offering a nuanced understanding of the technological competencies required for sustainability success in agribusiness. This article highlights the importance of developing and implementing advanced supply chain management software to address the need for enhanced sustainability practices within the agribusiness sector. Using interviews with pre-farmgate and post-farmgate agribusiness employees, we demonstrate how these software skills will likely impact sustainability reporting and governance. Managerial implications also include the need for targeted skill development to facilitate more sustainable agribusiness management practices, as mastering such technological competencies is critical for adhering to evolving global environmental standards.

Managerial practices are essential for activating the potential sustainability transition of the food supply chain. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to contribute to the existing literature on the assessment, reporting, and disclosure of value in the food supply chain through a multiple-case study. The present study proposes an assessment tool that can disclose the real impact of managerial practices with an innovative application of the SAFA Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) framework within the context of the Italian meat production supply chain and, thus, enable producers to orient the transition process. The multiple-case study analyzes and discusses three years of data (2019–2021) for three medium and large Italian companies operating in the meat production supply chain. The discussion includes the comparison of results based on the set of 17 themes and 80 proposed sustainability indicators. This paper has both theoretical and practical contributions to the current discussion. This work extends the literature on the propensity to measure and report sustainability’ performances. This paper fosters the promotion of sustainable managerial practices and expands the literature on managerial tools to disclose sustainability’ performance. The supply chain due diligence theoretical background has been adopted to investigate the (outside-in) supply chain transparency. In addition, the institutional legitimacy theory has been applied as (inside-out) perspective on how companies address their contribution to the production systems transition.

In the era of globalization, supply chains are becoming less transparent, facing pressing sustainability challenges such as the inappropriate use of natural resources, poor working conditions, and environmental degradation. This paper addresses these issues by presenting a pioneering sustainability assessment framework aimed at increasing transparency and accountability in global supply chains. Emerging from a systematic literature review and insights from the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), the framework comprises 91 robust performance indicators: 36 environmental and 55 social. These indicators, a mix of quantitative and semi-quantitative measures, provide a comprehensive tool for assessing the sustainability performance of supply chain actors across a range of sectors. The framework not only facilitates companies in measuring their own and their suppliers’ sustainability performance but also enhances their capacity to effectively communicate their environmental and social progress to stakeholders. Additionally, it is designed to seamlessly integrate with Industry 4.0 technologies, enabling more dynamic assessments.

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate the impact of sustainable board governance, based on (1) sustainability board committees, (2) critical mass of female board members and (3) sustainability-related executive compensation, on sustainable supply chain reporting (SSCR).Design/methodology/approachBased on stakeholder and critical mass theories, a sample of 1,577 firm-year observations for firms listed at the EuroSTOXX600 for the period 2017–2021 is used. Sustainable board governance and SSCR proxies are collected from the Refinitiv database. Correlation and logit regression analyses are conducted to measure the impact of sustainable board governance on SSCR.FindingsSustainable board governance significantly improves SSCR. The findings are robust to various robustness checks, based on the modification of dependent and independent variables.Research limitations/implicationsDue to massive regulations on sustainability reporting, finance and corporate governance, firms listed on the EuroSTOXX 600 are focused in this analysis. The European capital market represents a unique setting for archival research.Practical implicationsEuropean standard setters should connect the relationship between sustainable board governance and SSCR in future regulations, for example, due to the recent corporate sustainability reporting directive (CSRD) and corporate sustainability due diligence directive (CSDDD).Originality/valueTo the best of the author’s knowledge, this paper provides the first analysis on the impact of sustainable board governance on SSCR.

This research has investigated the intricate relationship between sustainable supply chain management practices and corporate communication for sustainability within supply chain contexts. Additionally, it examines the extent to which supplier diversity, supplier collaboration, sustainable product design, and reverse logistics positively impact sustainable supply chain practices. Additionally, it examines the extent to which sustainability reporting, sustainability branding, sustainability engagement, and sustainability transparency positively impact corporate communication for sustainability and to investigate whether perceived corporate social responsibility and perceived supplier sustainability moderate the relationship among the constructs of sustainable supply chain practices, corporate communication for sustainability, and sustainability in supply chain management. This study employed both cross‐sectional and qualitative approaches. The study collected quantitative data using a five‐point Likert scale from 366 respondents in Bangladesh, which were analyzed using Smart PLS‐SEM. The findings highlighted the importance of collaborative relationships with suppliers, environmentally friendly product design, streamlined logistics processes, and transparent communication for advancing sustainability goals within supply chains. Qualitative insights further underscored the importance of effective branding and communication strategies that align with sustainability objectives. While some hypotheses were supported, such as the positive relationship between sustainable practices and sustainability in supply chain management, others, such as the impact of supplier diversity and engagement, warrant further exploration. This research contributes to the broader discourse on sustainable supply chain management by shedding light on the interplay between sustainability practices, corporate communication, and moderating factors, such as perceived corporate social responsibility.

This paper examines the collaborative dynamics within a European cruise shipbuilding company network, with a particular focus on sustainable development (SD) initiatives and compliance with the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). Shipbuilding is characterized by highly complex supplier networks, posing challenges for CSRD implementation, particularly in reporting indirect (Scope 3) greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) across the value chain. The mandatory inclusion of Scope 3 emissions requires companies to account for previously overlooked activities, posing significant resource demands due to the complexity of global supply chains. The findings highlight challenges in the preparedness of case companies for CSRD-compliant Scope 3 emissions reporting, particularly regarding necessary operational and collaborative changes. Network analysis reveals that the case company network is loosely connected, with limited interorganizational SD initiatives. While the lead company occupies a central position in advancing sustainability efforts, the overall network structure exhibits weak coordination. Despite a social framework that facilitates information exchange, the network demonstrates limited capacity to leverage collective resources for integrated reporting, development, and innovation. The findings suggest that a more open and balanced network structure, coupled with coordinated collaboration, is essential for effectively addressing CSRD requirements. Strengthening transparency, fostering commitment, and enhancing joint SD initiatives may provide strategic advantages and contribute to long-term business sustainability and renewal.

ABSTRACT In this editorial, we introduce the main theme of this issue: recently enacted sustainability reporting regulation in Europe. Our particular focus in curating a set of papers devoted to this theme is to consider the impact of what is effectively an ongoing wider sustainability transformation programme, which includes the EU Corporate Sustainable Reporting Directive (CSRD) as well as the Green Deal, the Taxonomy of Sustainable Economic Activity, Sustainable Finance Initiative and Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence. Collectively, this programme introduces significant mandated enhancements such as double materiality, full scope greenhouse gas accounting, extending responsibility down the supply chain, business model risk assessment and reasonable assurance on sustainability related disclosures. This issue presents three articles which examine the implications from three distinctive European perspectives – a variety that is important given that EU directives such as the CSRD are required to be transposed into national law by individual member states. Collectively, these articles illuminate some of the key opportunities and challenges arising from the CSRD and its impact of legislative landscape for sustainability reporting research, education and practice.

This study conducts a systematic literature review based on the PRISMA technique to investigate the transformation of technology on sustainability practices, disclosures and reporting. The documents were collected from Scopus and Web of Science research databases. The results highlighted Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Industry 5.0. Through secure and auditable data trails, particularly in the context of supply chain management, Blockchain makes data more reliable and transparent. Data collection and realtime reporting are automated, with AI and machine learning driving the materiality assessments. In addition to the Industry 4.0 practices, Industry 5.0 principles would enhance individual and real-time ESG reporting by making it customisable and cost-efficient, promoting greater stakeholder participation, and allowing more meaningful inter-company comparability. Using a structured literature review approach and integrating with empirical analysis like principal component analysis and K-mean clustering using Ward's method, the results and discussion outline technological advances that aim to solve essential sustainability reporting-related challenges by providing uniform methods and fostering stakeholder confidence. These research findings have implications for practitioners and policymakers on leveraging technologies effectively to enhance sustainability reporting.

Metaverse integration in the agribusiness CSR practices constitutes a radical change of practice in companies to involve stakeholders, report sustainability, and performance motivation. Using virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), blockchain, and artificial intelligence (AI) as the examples of the immersiveness technologies can open up new chances of transparent disclosure of CSR, consumer involvement, and accountability throughout the agricultural supply chains. Virtual simulations allow firms to showcase green farming methods, trace their supply chain, and participate in sustainability promotions with the help of consumers. Moreover, virtual engagement can be taken into consideration so that firms can report CSR activities credibly and minimise risks of virtual greenwashing. The quantitative research design was used in the study. There were 350 questionnaires that were distributed among managers and financial, accounting, sustainability, and operations professionals in 30 agribusiness firms. When all the incomplete responses were eliminated, 287 valid questionnaires remained, which constituted an effective response rate of 82 percent. The finding of regression analysis proved that CSR-AM is a significant predictor of firm performance. The study concluded that agri-metaverse allows companies to run CSR practices beyond conventional ones to create interactive and verifiable experiences. It was recommended that CSR in the agri-metaverse should be the incubator of innovation, farmer empowerment, and soaring ambitions in the agricultural industry, rather than branding efforts.

Sustainable Development Goal 12 (SDG 12) aims at boosting sustainable consumption and production patterns (SCPP) globally, forming a critical component of the 2030 Agenda for SD. Despite progress in corporate sustainability reporting, significant challenges remain, particularly in emerging economies like Vietnam, which is undergoing industrial transformation while striving to address environmental and resource sustainability challenges. Addressing these issues requires urgent action to raise awareness and manage finite natural resources more sustainably. Digitalization (DI) in supply chains has emerged as a key solution for greening product life cycles. Thus, this research delves into the association between DI and SCPP among small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) in emerging economies, emphasizing the mediating roles of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and green supply chain management (GSCM). A quantitative approach was employed in this paper, and data were acquired through a thoughtfully crafted survey questionnaire targeting individuals in senior management and middle management at companies. This earned 429 valid responses from middle managers and senior managers in Vietnam SMEs. Subsequently, SmartPLS version 4.1.0.0 was leveraged to investigate the hypothesized relationships. The outcomes highlight that DI strengthens GSCM, CSR, and SCPP, as well as the bond between CSR and GSCM, which are statistically significant. Furthermore, the findings demonstrate GSCM and CSR serve as intermediary factors linking DI and SCPP within enterprises. Grounded in empirical evidence from Vietnamese SMEs, this study adds valuable insights to the current set of insights on SCPP by presenting an empirically operationalized framework that integrates dynamic capabilities theory and stakeholder theory. Simultaneously, this research supplies new approaches for leaders and managers on how to pursue SCPP as part of green supply chain transformation through digital innovation, along with making a meaningful advancement in the evolution of the academic discourse on the SDGs.

The integration of artificial intelligence in supply chain management has revolutionized traditional operations through advanced automation and intelligent decision-making capabilities. The DataBricks platform enables the deployment of specialized AI agents - Procurement Policy Advisor, Quality Inspection Advisor, Sustainability Policy Advisor, and Goods Delivery Advisor - each addressing specific operational challenges while delivering measurable benefits. These agents leverage machine learning algorithms and predictive analytics to enhance procurement processes, quality control, sustainability reporting, and logistics operations. The implementation has significantly improved operational efficiency, cost reduction, and process optimization across diverse supply chain functions. The framework's modular architecture facilitates emerging technologies' continuous evolution and integration, positioning organizations for enhanced competitiveness in dynamic market environments.

Implementation of Sustainable Supply Chain Management (SSCM) is crucial for cement manufacturers to enhance competitive advantage while minimizing economic, social, and environmental impacts. As a result, cement companies must assess, manage, and report the sustainability performance of their supply chains. However, there is no appropriate measurement framework to evaluate SSCM performance. This study designs a specific and relevant SSCM performance measurement framework, referring to global cement industry indicators, empirical indicators of Indonesian manufacturers, and validation of seven cement supply chain specialists. A systematic literature search was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) method, and the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) was used to assign weights to performance indicators. This study develops an SSCM framework that integrates three aspects of sustainability: environmental, social, and economic. The framework consists of 22 performance indicators, including six environmental indicators, eight social indicators, and eight economic indicators. Testing the framework on leading cement company in Indonesia resulted in a strong performance score of 80.7. This study addresses the existing gap in research related to supply chain sustainability and, for the first time, provides locally developed SSCM performance indicators that are aligned with the context of the Indonesian cement industry. This study also discusses the implications of the developed SSCM framework for sustainability education and capacity building within the Indonesian cement industry, highlighting the importance of integrating environmental, social, and economic performance indicators into training programs and educational curricula to foster sustainable business practices.

The efficiency, reliability and sustainability of business today are largely determined by the management and planning technologies used in the company. In the conditions of the BANI world, characterized by the turbulent development of society, previously developed methods and approaches to organizing and running a business become inoperative. Researchers and entrepreneurs are looking for new technologies and tools to solve current problems and issues. The author has determined that digital technologies should be integrated into the planning system to improve the efficiency and competitiveness of the supply chain. Digital technologies are transforming the management of economic systems, including planning. Tools based on machine learning, blockchain and big data analytics open up new potential for supply chain analysis and management. They help to improve the accuracy of forecasts, optimize inventory management, and automate and simplify reporting. This study presents an investigation into the development of a supply chain planning model in the digital era. It is formulated that modern business needs an autonomous, integrated and self-learning planning system.

Abstract The study aims to understand the interplay between sustainability strategy and the approach to sustainability reporting in small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). To achieve this purpose, a case study is developed, examining four companies that exemplify different sustainability strategy types delineated by Baumgartner: introverted, extroverted, conservative, and visionary. According to the findings of the research, while it is possible to identify sustainability strategies based on the key defining elements of the adopted conceptual map, and to interpret the company’s perception and approach to sustainability reporting considering the sustainability strategy, integrating owner-manager values, stakeholder proximity, and supply chain dynamics the conceptual map becomes a more adaptable and practical tool for SMEs seeking to thrive in an increasingly sustainability-focused business landscape. The incorporation of these insights extends Baumgartner’s work, enhancing the comprehension of sustainability strategies within SMEs and providing implications for regulatory bodies, consultants, and managers.

No abstract available

Sustainability reporting within the oil and gas (O&G) industry started back in the 1990s and has improved longitudinally since then. However, when reporting their sustainability-related practices and initiatives, O&G companies seldomly mention the term green supply chain management (GSCM). The study aims to investigate the development of GSCM practices in the O&G sector and to categorize how they are integrated with the sustainability practices reported by the industry. A multi-phase research approach was adopted consisting of a comprehensive literature review, followed by a single case study employed in an international oil and gas company. Primary data were collected by conducting 12 semi-structured interviews with senior members of an O&G company. Thematic analysis was employed to analyze the primary data from the interviews and to synthesize this work with the secondary data in order to answer the research question. The research identifies that the adoption of green purchasing practices is still in its infancy, whereas green production practices are more advanced compared to the current academic literature on the O&G industry. Additionally, new insights are obtained on how O&G companies are diversifying their business models and investing in the renewable energy business. The results of this work will enable O&G businesses to understand the latest developments in GSCM practices and how they are impacting the O&G sector. Practitioners will also be able to benchmark their current GSCM practices with the research findings and develop and formulate strategies to maximize the implementation of GSCM practices.

No abstract available

Purpose: The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) 204, effective January 2026, represents a transformative shift in global food supply chain management, emphasizing proactive over reactive traceability. This research investigates FSMA 204's regulatory framework, associated challenges, and its potential to drive innovation. Methodology: Through qualitative analysis and case studies of Trustwell and Campbell Soup Company, the study identifies the dual role of FSMA 204 as both a compliance mandate and a catalyst for operational advancements. Key challenges include high compliance costs, technological integration barriers, and limited timelines. However, the regulation incentivizes the adoption of advanced technologies such as blockchain for secure record-keeping, IoT for real-time monitoring, and AI/ML for predictive analytics, which collectively enhance transparency, efficiency, and competitive differentiation. These innovations turn regulatory obligations into opportunities for businesses to optimize supply chain processes, improve consumer trust, and achieve sustainability. Case studies demonstrate how strategic planning and the use of traceability technologies enable compliance while promoting ESG goals. Findings: The findings underscore the importance of proactive strategies and technological investments to navigate FSMA 204's requirements effectively. Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: This research contributes to the discourse by framing FSMA 204 compliance as a strategic enabler for businesses to foster growth and sustainability, positioning it as a global benchmark for traceability standards. By leveraging these insights, food industry stakeholders can transform compliance challenges into pathways for innovation and resilience.

No abstract available

This work presents an innovative blockchain-based framework designed to enhance end-to-end traceability within modern supply chains, addressing critical challenges such as fragmented visibility, inconsistent data, and a lack of trust between stakeholders. Traditional supply chains often struggle with these issues, leading to inefficiencies, fraud, and compliance risks. The proposed system utilizes decentralized ledger technology (DLT) to create an immutable, transparent record of a product's journey from origin to final destination, capturing detailed information on provenance, transformation, and transportation at each stage. Key to the system's functionality is the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) sensors for real-time data collection, enabling continuous monitoring of goods throughout the supply chain. Smart contracts automate compliance enforcement by ensuring that predefined conditions are met without manual intervention, reducing human error and administrative overhead. Python-based blockchain scripting is used to ensure secure event logging, further enhancing the system's reliability and integrity. In addition to real-time tracking and tamper-proof record-keeping, the solution leverages predictive analytics to increase operational resilience. By analyzing historical data, the system can anticipate potential disruptions and optimize decision-making processes to mitigate risks. This proactive approach improves overall supply chain efficiency and responsiveness. The proposed system not only fosters greater transparency and reduces the risk of fraud but also ensures regulatory compliance and builds consumer trust. By enabling immutable and real-time tracking, the framework lays the foundation for more resilient, sustainable, and trustworthy global supply chains, empowering industries to meet the growing demands for accountability and sustainability in today’s interconnected world.

No abstract available

The COVID-19 pandemic made the world encounter significant disruptions that heightened the previously faced issues associated with food security. The aspects of food safety, quality, and accessibility are impacted in such a manner, necessitating green food supply chain management (GFSCM) supported by technologies like blockchain and IoT. Nine GFSCM enablers identified and critically discussed in the context of better food security through the attainment of SDG 2. Based on the ISM technique, this study analyses the relationships and influential factors among these facilitators. The findings have emphasized that blockchain and IoT are an essential mechanism for promoting transparency and traceability and reducing food waste in the supply chain of food. Adding to the present literature, this paper develops a conceptual framework that helps managers implement digitization enablers and thus support sustainable food security. These pave the way toward the success of the United Nations in achieving sustainability through food quality and safety.

Food safety together with quality control and consumer trust can only be achieved through transparent and traceable food supply chains. This research presents an integrated framework which employs IoT sensors alongside GPS tracking alongside blockchain technology to create improved visibility and security throughout the food supply chain. The integration of IoT devices enables blockchain-based storage of immutable temperature and humidity and location data while smart contracts perform automatic compliance verification processes. Consumers gain access to product documentation through quick response codes for better product trust and liability tracking. The system strengthens operational efficiency while decreasing food waste and resolves common supply chain problems including fraud and operational inefficiencies and transparency issues. There are substantial advantages in the framework yet scalability difficulties together with regulatory obstacles and implementation expenses continue as operational hurdles. Future studies will examine the application of artificial intelligence analytics and improved security measures as well as sustainable blockchain models to improve system efficiency. The research establishes a building block to merge emerging tech solutions into food value chains which secures safe operations while making systems more visible and boosting industry efficiency across all food production sectors worldwide.

In this paper, a framework of Blockchain-powered Supply Chain Automation is proposed and enacted which would offer real-time traceability, transparency, and security of distributed trade networks. The suggested system implements Hyperledger Fabric with a data acquisition layer of IoT to get valid products information in every node of the transaction. The smart contracting approach can have this framework automate Facebook processes of validation, authorization and data logging without an overall system that will enable the determination of records without tampering. A consensus-based validation protocol contributes to consistency besides minimizing the latency of the transactions. Moreover, anomaly detection by machine learning is added to complete predictive bottlenecks analysis and authorization of fraud. The simulated logistics data performance analysis reveals that it has enhanced the traceability efficiency by 24.6 %, data tampering risks by 31.8 % and verification time by 18.4 % relative to the supply chain systems using the traditional ERP. The findings confirm the appropriateness of the system to enable end-to-end visibility and operational resilience, which makes blockchain technology a game changer to next generation autonomous supply chain ecosystems.

The Internet of Things (IoT) may be used by conventional transparency and traceability platforms, however, they often lack transparency and traceability across the whole manufacturing procedure. Furthermore, it may be difficult to ensure the openness of goods statistics needed for traceability from their origin when there are fraudulent partners, which could pose safety threats to these transparency and traceability structures. The blockchain platform receives the gathered statistics and uses them for processing, storing, and querying. The safety of the statistics accessing the network can be guaranteed by a dispersed, decentralized, and unchangeable blockchain. Nevertheless, during the data-gathering procedure, IoT gadgets could provide unusual statistics. The accuracy of the transparency and traceability structure's input statistics must be guaranteed in this situation. This article examines the data of a crop supply chain from cultivating to earnings, builds the layout and every operation, and develops and deploys a machine learning (ML-)-based blockchain-IoT-oriented crop transparency and traceability framework (MBICTTS) with consideration for the transparency and traceability chain of crop-based goods. This paper suggests a novel approach that blends blockchain with ML to improve the performance of blockchain resource statistics, like IoT -like radio frequency recognition (RFID) detectors. Furthermore, scanning and restoration techniques, sorting strategies, and platform data storage are suggested. The implementation of the ML data validation process can guarantee the accuracy (99%) of the data on the network in contrast to the current blockchain-based crop transparency and traceability platform. The suggested fix offers a foundation for guaranteeing the effectiveness, dependability, and security of crop traceability platforms.

The increasing global demand for halal products demands an integrated, transparent, and reliable halal supply chain system. However, major challenges remain due to the fragmentation of national halal standards, weak traceability systems, and limited interoperability between certification authorities in various countries. This study proposes the design of a blockchain-based halal traceability system with a cross-country framework to ensure the integrity of halal products globally. The system combines Internet of Things (IoT) technology, laboratory testing data, and smart contracts to enable automated validation from raw materials to retail distribution. Adopting theoretical approaches from the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), Institutional Theory, and Supply Chain Integration Theory, the model includes key actors such as regulators, certification bodies, and digital platforms to support the harmonization of the global halal system through the “Single Digital Halal Passport” mechanism and blockchain node exchange. Literature review and policy analysis from countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, GCC, and the European Union show various regulatory, technological, and institutional barriers, especially in developing countries. However, blockchain technology shows great potential in increasing consumer trust, ensuring data immutability, and automating halal verification.

Supply chain management (SCM) faces challenges such as lack of transparency, traceability, and data security, with studies showing that over 60% of disruptions stem from visibility issues. This paper presents a decentralized IoT-based SCM system that integrates blockchain technology to enhance data integrity and trust. RFID technology captures real-time data from goods at various supply chain stages, while blockchain provides a tamper-proof ledger, ensuring transparency and reducing data manipulation risks by 35%. Firebase secures user authentication, allowing only authorized access, addressing security vulnerabilities that account for 40% of breaches. Built with React.js, the front end ensures a responsive interface, while Node.js and Express.js power the server side, increasing scalability by 25%. This integration of IoT, blockchain, and modern web technologies addresses SCM limitations by improving transparency, reducing fraud by 30%, and optimizing logistics. The architecture, evaluated on security, accessibility, and scalability, showed improvements over conventional systems and reduced operational costs by up to 20%, demonstrating the potential of blockchain and IoT in SCM.

Emerging technologies such as blockchain and IoT have found applications in various domains including supply chains. While there are some industry-level uses of blockchain and IoT solutions for improving traceability in food supply chains, there is limited understanding of the factors that contribute to successful implementation and deployment, especially in resource-constrained environments. In this study, we analyzed the factors for the successful deployment of blockchain-IoT solutions/systems for supply chains in resource-constrained environments based on our experience of deploying a blockchain-based trust model using IoT devices for beef supply chain management and analysis of the literature on successful deployment of blockchain-IoT solutions. The findings of our study show that at a higher level, the factors for successful deployment relate to technical, organizational, and data management issues. A detailed discussion of the factors and implementation guidelines is provided to give directions for improving the successful deployment of blockchain-IoT solutions.

IoT and Blockchain technologies offer solutions to the problems of emergency resource supply chains in disasters. IoT provides transportation, meters, products, distribution and logistics and smart industry, but it has security and privacy issues. This is when IoT finds support in Blockchain technology that offers security (cybersecurity) and privacy, providing among other things, traceability and transparency in its information. However, Blockchain presents problems: power and processing time, storage, traffic overload, scalability, consensus models, anonymity and cybersecurity. These problems are finding solutions in various projects. Traceability and information control are key in the chain of emergency resources in disasters. Blockchain technology incorporates the smart contract that facilitates contracting and economic transactions in such a situation. Finally, a brief reference is made to the specific impact of these technologies in the supply chain of emergency resources in disasters in terms of transportation, where speed and the use of resources is essential.

With the acceleration of digital transformation in manufacturing, the application of IoT technology in umbrella manufacturing supply chain management has become a critical pathway to enhance industry efficiency. This paper focuses on core challenges in the umbrella manufacturing industry, such as insufficient supply chain transparency, low inventory efficiency, and difficulties in quality traceability, systematically reviewing the current practices and mechanisms of IoT technology in addressing these issues. Research shows that by constructing a technical framework comprising perception, network, and application layers, IoT enables raw material traceability, dynamic inventory optimization, and closed-loop quality management. Case studies demonstrate that IoT can increase inventory turnover by 32% and reduce order delivery cycles by 40%. However, challenges such as heterogeneous data integration, device compatibility, and long-term storage costs still constrain its effectiveness. Integrating domestic and international research findings from the past three years, this paper reveals the intrinsic logic and implementation pathways of IoT-driven digital transformation in umbrella supply chains, offering theoretical insights for the industry to overcome information silos and enhance collaboration efficiency, thereby fostering sustainable development in traditional umbrella manufacturing in the era of smart supply chains.

Global supply chains are increasingly complex, with issues of transparency, trust and efficiency leading to fraud, counterfeiting and delays. The industry 4.0 relies on the IoT to be tracked on the fly and blockchain offers immutability and decentralized trust. Their production offers a new way to safe and open supply chain management. The present paper discusses blockchain-IoT applications in pharmaceuticals, food traceability and logistics, and enhances traceability, efficiency, and fraud prevention. Other challenges, including scalability, energy use, and interoperability, however, persist. Interoperability standards and lightweight consensus, the addition of edge computing and the integration of AI should be further explored. Overall, the IoT blockchain integration can help create trust and real-time visibility that will ensure the safety, resilience, and sustainability of the supply chain in the digital world.

No abstract available

—In various industries, the convergence of the Internet of Things (IoT) and blockchain technologies has left an indelible mark on the pursuit of decarbonization. These innovations have seamlessly integrated into diverse fields, from manufacturing to logistics, offering sustainable solutions that enhance operational efficiency, transparency, and accountability. The interplay between IoT and blockchain has particularly contributed to the reduction of carbon footprints, fostering environmentally responsible practices. As industries embrace these technologies, the decentralized and transparent nature of blockchain ensures traceability in supply chains, while IoT devices facilitate real-time data monitoring. Together, they create a powerful synergy that not only streamlines processes but also drives a collective commitment to reducing environmental impact, marking a paradigm shift towards greener and more sustainable industries. Within this landscape, this research offers a comprehensive exploration of the transformative potential of blockchain in supply chain management, emphasizing its intricate connection with IoT and carbon footprint reduction. The conceptual model presented delineates the seamless integration of these elements, providing a nuanced understanding of how blockchain can revolutionize transparency and sustainability. Through practical examples and a layered diagram, it showcases the tangible benefits of this integration, highlighting its capacity to enhance data integrity and transparency in real-world supply chain scenarios. The research stands as a testament to the instrumental role that blockchain can play in fostering environmentally responsible practices within supply chains, laying the groundwork for a more sustainable future.

The availability of drugs across the country is a direct measure for fairer public health. Several issues have been reported drastically related to various organizations that fail to provide quality medicines on time. There has been a consistent increase in cases where the treatment, as well as exempted drugs, were supplied due to the unavailability of proper traceability of the supply chain. Several parties are involved in the supply and have similar interests that may defer the adequate shareability of the drugs. The existing system for managing the drug supply chain suffers from several backlogs. The loss of information, unavailability of resources to track the proper medicinal storage, transparency of information sharing between various stakeholders and sequential access. The applicability of the decentralized model emerging from the blockchain can apply to one of the perfect solutions in this case. The drug traceability chain can be deployed to a Ledger-based blockchain that may result in decentralized information. Continuous supply from the Internet of Things (IoT) based devices might be handy as the middleware for providing a trustworthy, safe, and proper transaction-oriented system. The data integrity, along with the provenance resulting from the IoT-connected devices, is an effective solution towards managing the supply chain and drug traceability. This study presents a model that can provide a token-based blockchain that will help provide a cost-efficient and secure system for a reliable drug supply chain.

Coffee is a global commodity that plays a significant role in the economy of many countries, including Indonesia. As the world's fourth-largest coffee producer, Indonesia has a vast potential to increase its coffee exports. This economic impact is not only a source of foreign exchange but also a significant source of income for smallholder farmers. However, recent inefficiencies have led to declining exports and quality control issues. This issue is exacerbated by the lack of transparency and traceability in the coffee supply chain, which makes it difficult for stakeholders to monitor the movement of coffee beans from farm to market. Thus, this research aims to address these problems by developing a blockchain-integrated traceability platform enhanced with IoT technology. The platform connects all stakeholders in the coffee supply chain, including farmers, processors, distributors, sellers, and consumers, ensuring real-time monitoring and data transparency throughout the coffee supply chain. This benefitted not only the involved stakeholders but also the end consumers. The system's provided QR code allows consumers to access information about the coffee's origin, quality, and processing details, increasing customer awareness and trust in the product.

The pharmaceutical industry faces significant challenges in maintaining the transparency and traceability of drugs throughout the supply chain, leading to issues such as counterfeit drugs and inefficiencies in drug distribution. This study proposes a blockchain-based drug supply chain management system designed to ensure enhanced transparency, traceability, and security. By integrating Hyperledger blockchain with IoT sensors and smart contracts, the system provides real-time tracking of drug shipments and automates key processes, reducing the risk of human error and improving compliance with regulatory standards. The proposed model was benchmarked against nine existing models, demonstrating superior performance across several key metrics. The model achieved an accuracy of 97.1%, the highest among the evaluated systems, indicating its robustness in detecting anomalies and maintaining data integrity. Additionally, the model exhibited the lowest energy consumption of 3.8 J/transaction and the highest data integrity score of 9.8. These results highlight the model's efficiency, scalability, and reliability, making it a promising solution for the pharmaceutical industry's supply chain challenges.

This paper presents an analysis of the ways in which Blockchain and Internet of Things (IoT) systems can be combined for the betterment of supply chain management as well as a discussion of the increased security, transparency and/or continuity of business that may result from such an integration. In the current world where the global supply chains are continuing to expand and integrate, it has been noted that there is need to protect real time information flows and enhance the integrity and traceability of information. Using Blockchain’s decentralized and immutable structure together with IoT’s data-collection aspect, this research explores ways in which supply chain processes could benefit from these technologies while minimizing the risks posed by data theft, forgery, and disruptions. The research employs published data analysis and a case study, encompassing cross-industry benchmarks, research, and empirical evaluation of Blockchain-IoT applications in industries. Survey data was obtained from recent implementations in industries including pharmaceutical, F&B and logistics. Quantitative tools and techniques were applied to evaluate the integrity and the reliability of Blockchain-IoT systems operations. Some insights discovered reveals that the integration between Blockchain and IoT fosters better real-time monitoring, minimizes counterfeiting and promotes better traceability of an average of 40% based on observed instances. Literature is advanced in this paper by presenting grounded data on Blockchain and IoT’s ability to maintain enduring and reliable supply chain security. The research implies that when the technologies are well deployed, they act as a key driver in facilitating secure and efficient supply chain. The presented research provides guidance on the adaptation of Blockchain and IoT to enhance the stability of the supply chain; it maps a tactical plan that industry participants can follow to achieve sustainable, secure supply chain operations.

This study applies Actor-Network Theory (ANT), Resource-Based View (RBV), and Closed-Loop Supply Chain (CLSC) Theory to investigate the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) and blockchain technology for sustainable waste management in cold chain food supply chains. Using a case study of Company A, supported by datasets such as the Time-Temperature Data and the Google Cloud Blockchain Dataset, the research evaluates how IoT sensors and blockchain systems monitor waste and enhance operational efficiency across supply chain stages. Findings reveal that IoT-enabled real-time monitoring significantly reduces waste by addressing temperature deviations, while blockchain enhances traceability and accountability through immutable record-keeping and smart contracts. The combined application of these technologies demonstrates substantial waste reduction potential, particularly in transportation and distribution stages, aligning with sustainability objectives such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals. This research provides both theoretical and practical contributions to the adoption of digital tools in sustainable supply chain management.

Counterfeit drugs pose a significant public health threat in the U.S., undermining patient safety, causing economic losses, and complicating regulatory efforts. Despite existing measures like the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA), the pharmaceutical supply chain remains vulnerable to fraudulent activities due to fragmented data and a lack of real-time tracking. This paper explores the potential of blockchain and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies to strengthen the pharmaceutical supply chain and mitigate the risks posed by counterfeit drugs. Blockchain offers an immutable, decentralized ledger that ensures the traceability and authenticity of pharmaceuticals, while IoT enables real-time monitoring of conditions such as temperature and humidity throughout the distribution process. Together, these technologies create a transparent, secure system that improves supply chain visibility and reduces the likelihood of counterfeit products entering the market. However, implementing these technologies faces challenges, including technical scalability, regulatory alignment, and cost barriers. Policy recommendations and industry collaboration strategies must address these challenges and enable widespread adoption. Future research should optimize blockchain-IoT integration, enhance sensor capabilities, and develop global standards to ensure interoperability. By leveraging blockchain and IoT, the pharmaceutical industry can enhance drug safety, improve compliance, and ensure a more robust supply chain against counterfeiting.

The integration of IoT and blockchain in supply chain operations presents a transformative potential for real-time optimization. This paper investigates the implementation of these technologies to enhance transparency, traceability, and efficiency across the supply chain network. The study analyzes how IoT devices and blockchain’s decentralized ledgers provide secure, real-time data exchange, enabling faster decision-making and reducing operational costs. The findings highlight that combining IoT with blockchain leads to substantial improvements in supply chain management, making it more resilient and responsive to disruptions.

The global supply chain landscape is rapidly evolving, driven by the increasing demand for real-time visibility, enhanced transparency, and efficient decision-making. Traditional supply chain systems often face challenges such as data inconsistencies, fraud, inefficiencies, and a lack of coordination across various stakeholders. Recent advancements in Blockchain and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies offer promising solutions to address these challenges by providing secure, transparent, and real-time data flows. This explores the integration of Blockchain and IoT technologies to improve supply chain visibility and procurement transparency. Blockchain, with its decentralized, immutable ledger, provides a secure platform for recording transactions, ensuring the integrity and traceability of supply chain data. IoT, on the other hand, enables the continuous collection of real-time data through connected devices, such as sensors and RFID tags, which monitor inventory levels, product conditions, and the movement of goods across the supply chain. The integration of Blockchain and IoT enhances these benefits by allowing real-time updates on the Blockchain ledger, creating a tamper-proof, transparent record of transactions and product movement. This discusses key use cases for the integration of Blockchain and IoT, such as product authentication, anti-counterfeiting, and secure sharing of data between suppliers, logistics providers, and consumers. Furthermore, it highlights the impacts on procurement transparency, including fair trade practices, fraud reduction, and dynamic pricing models. Challenges related to technology adoption, including infrastructure costs, data security, and interoperability, are also addressed. This concludes by exploring future trends, such as the integration of AI and 5G technologies, to further enhance Blockchain and IoT integration for supply chain optimization.

This study, “An Analysis on Digitalization in Supply Chain Transparency, Traceability, and Accountability with Special Reference to VRL, Bangalore” examines the impact of digitalization on the supply chain practices of VRL Logistics, a leading logistics company in India. The focus is on how digital technologies have enhanced transparency, traceability, and accountability within VRL’s supply chain. The research explores the use of digital tools such as ERP systems, IoT devices, and blockchain technology to improve supply chain visibility. It discusses how these technologies enable VRL to track the movement of goods in real-time, provide accurate data to stakeholders, and reduce risks by enhancing operational transparency. The study also investigates the company’s adoption of digital traceability systems, which have improved the ability to track goods, verify product details, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards. Additionally, the research highlights the role of digital solutions in ensuring accountability among suppliers and partners, helping VRL monitor performance, delivery timelines, and product quality. This study reference to testing throught T-Testing. KEYWORDS: Digitalization And Supply Chain Transparency, Supply Chain Traceability, Supply Chain Accountability, E-Commerce.

Society and policy demand greater sustainability of food systems, driving practitioners to improve the transparency of supply chain networks through digital innovation. Uncertainties regarding the structuring of relationships with primary and secondary stakeholders for sharing intangible data and information diminishes the potential for exploitation of digital transparency. While businesses are accustomed to organizing efficient flows of tangible goods, management research integrating digital transparency considerations to investigate and conceptualize structural changes in agri-food supply chain networks (AFSCNs) is scarce. This gap motivates the following four questions of this study: (1) Who are the primary and secondary stakeholders in the AFSCNs of the digital era? (2) What are their transparency interests? (3) How do AFSCN structures change with the emergence of digital innovations that can facilitate sustainability transition through greater transparency? (4) How to conceptualize those structural changes to AFSCNs? The netchain approach and respective transparency concept are integrated with classical stakeholder theory. Data was collected via a series of 21 semi-structured pilot interviews with technology providers in the EU agri-food sector and analyzed using structured content analysis. Results paint a complex picture of contemporary primary and secondary stakeholders of AFSCNs and their interests. Primary stakeholder interests lead to coopetition in vertical and horizontal relationships of the netchain and low transparency efforts by intermediaries. Both hamper the dissemination of digital innovations and the exploitation of their potential to improve AFSCN sustainability. Among secondary stakeholders, policymakers and governments, NGOs, and technology providers excel in being drivers of digital transparency for sustainability, with social media as a strong direct communication tool to reach netchain stakeholders, consumers, and research institutes/universities as collaborators and customers. The emergence of “information AFSCN” and “digital AFSCN” increases the complexity of the whole supply chain network through intermediation, reconfiguration, and emergence modes of change to underlying structures. Agri-food business managers, scientists, and policymakers should innovate in private and public governance to facilitate collaborative advantage and sustainability in a combination aligned with innovative digital transparency solutions.

Information sharing is essential for coordination and stakeholder integration and is crucial to achieving sustainable supply chain operations. Furthermore, improved information sharing assists retailers by reducing the time spent looking for alternative suppliers to meet the unexpected demand surge during pandemics. Recent advances in networking and distributed ledger technologies have enabled secure, improved information communication and broader connectivity. However, due to system interoperability, information quality, confidentiality, and trust, information cannot be exchanged seamlessly, resulting in the inefficiency of managing supply chain operations. In this paper, we propose a blockchain-based inventory sharing approach based on smart contracts using a private Ethereum network to link suppliers and retailers. Our approach combines blockchain technology with decentralized storage to increase transparency, trust, and security of supply chain transactions. We present a generalized mechanism for secure information sharing that includes comprehensive algorithms to capture supply chain stakeholder interactions that enhance trust among participating entities. The smart contract was developed and validated using the Remix IDE, and the code is made publicly available on Github. We analyze the solution for various security vulnerabilities and provide a detailed cost analysis for various stakeholder transactions in the supply chain. Our solution demonstrates that a blockchain-based approach reduces inefficiencies, is economical, commercially viable, and provides improved information connectivity among supply chain stakeholders in a trusted and secure way.

This study examined the potential of blockchain technology to enhance supply chain management in Kenya’s tea sector, addressing persistent challenges such as limited information sharing, poor traceability, and logistical inefficiencies. Despite advancements in supply chain practices, issues like adulteration, volatile market demands, and transparency gaps continue to undermine efficiency and competitiveness. The research highlights the role of blockchain-enabled decentralised data-sharing, which offers immutable records, improved control, and strengthened stakeholder trust. Through blockchain-based smart contracts, stakeholders can achieve real-time visibility, automate transactions, and maintain quality standards without intermediaries. A mixed-methods approach was employed, incorporating structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews with 156 respondents from tea processing companies. Findings reveal that adoption barriers include complex stakeholder dynamics and the geographical dispersion of tea farms. The study underscores the need for collaboration among small-scale farmers, processors, and government agencies to harness blockchain’s full potential. Key research questions explore the specific blockchain features that enhance supply chain effectiveness, the role of stakeholder trust, and implementation challenges. The findings demonstrate block blockchain’s transformative potential in building a more resilient and sustainable tea supply chain in Kenya. The study concludes that blockchain can significantly improve transparency and operational efficiency, while recommendations call for further research on its economic implications and integration with emerging technologies.

In today's globalized economy, comprehensive supply chain visibility is crucial for effective risk management. Achieving visibility remains a significant challenge due to limited information sharing among supply chain partners. This paper presents a novel framework leveraging Knowledge Graphs (KGs) and Large Language Models (LLMs) to enhance supply chain visibility without relying on direct stakeholder information sharing. Our zero-shot, LLM-driven approach automates the extraction of supply chain information from diverse public sources and constructs KGs to capture complex interdependencies between supply chain entities. We employ zero-shot prompting for Named Entity Recognition (NER) and Relation Extraction (RE) tasks, eliminating the need for extensive domain-specific training. We validate the framework with a case study on electric vehicle supply chains, focusing on tracking critical minerals for battery manufacturing. Results show significant improvements in supply chain mapping, extending visibility beyond tier-2 suppliers. The framework reveals critical dependencies and alternative sourcing options, enhancing risk management and strategic planning. With high accuracy in NER and RE tasks, it provides an effective tool for understanding complex, multi-tiered supply networks. This research offers a scalable, flexible method for constructing domain-specific supply chain KGs, addressing longstanding challenges in visibility and paving the way for advancements in digital supply chain surveillance.

Supply chain management faces challenges like lack of visibility, inadequate information sharing, and stakeholder trust issues. Emerging blockchain technology has the potential to address these challenges through its decentralized, immutable, and transparent nature. This paper aims to develop a framework for leveraging blockchain to enhance transparency, traceability, and trust in supply chain operations. The design science methodology is utilized to construct the artefact drawing upon a literature review and semi-structured interviews with supply chain experts. The developed framework provides a strategic roadmap of five phases - scoping, technological assessment, use case identification, pilot testing, and diffusion. Within each phase, activities related to analysis, design, and implementation are elucidated along with key questions to guide deployment. The evaluation demonstrates the framework's utility for supply chain practitioners in navigating blockchain adoption. This research contributes a structured approach for organizations to transition towards blockchain-enabled supply chain systems.

ABSTRACT Blockchain technologies can support traceability, transparency and trust among participants. This has primarily been explored in established supply chains and not in the growing use of business networks or ecosystems, which is a notable limitation since supply chains typically are organised with a dominant actor that ensures common information systems and standards that negate blockchain benefits. Hence, this study explores the design of a blockchain-based collaborative framework for resource sharing using smart contracts. These are particularly well-suited for supporting operations in broader networks or ecosystems beyond supply chains with established collaborations and hierarchies. Based on a systematic literature review, a demonstrator framework was developed for stakeholder interactions through a procurement and distribution unit backed with blockchain technology. The framework consists of (a) network architecture to demonstrate partner interactions; (b) rules for network working principles based on supply collaboration requirements; (c) UML diagram to define smart contract interaction sequence; and (d) algorithm for smart contract network verification and validation. Applicability of these smart contracts was verified by deployment on an Ethereum blockchain. The demonstrator framework ensures quality and data authenticity in supply networks, so it is useful for effective resource utilisation in networks where outsourcing and production surpluses are major issues.

This study examines market actors’ perspectives on agri-food data sharing within traceability- and transparency-oriented digital systems, which are crucial for enhancing sustainable food supply chains. Drawing on the ‘Digital Food Passports’ pilot in Poland, the research aimed to identify factors influencing market actors’ willingness to share data to provide reliable and comprehensive information on the origin, journey, and quality of agri-food products. Through thematic analysis, key motivators and barriers to stakeholder engagement were identified. Findings highlight the necessity of a clear value proposition for all actors within the production and distribution chain to invest resources and time in additional data-exchange systems. For farmers, reducing burdensome reporting procedures and providing direct financial incentives were key motivators. Agri-food processing, transport, and packaging companies viewed data collaboration as a practical tool to ensure high-quality raw materials and promote premium-priced food. Appropriate data management policies were critical for all stakeholders. While sustainability was recognized as important, opportunities for collaboration going beyond economic considerations were not widely explored. Additionally, concerns about how data will be interpreted—even among producers demonstrating sustainable practices—emerged as a significant issue, a topic not extensively discussed in the existing literature. These findings underscore the need for data-sharing strategies that better align economic benefits with broader sustainability goals. Further research should also explore strategies to mitigate concerns over data misinterpretation to encourage greater involvement in data-sharing initiatives.

As industries across the globe continue to digitize their processes, the need for a mechanism to share private data between multiple stakeholders is becoming increasingly apparent. However, sharing data poses challenges around privacy and accessibility, particularly in the event of disputes between stakeholders with a shared interest, such as a supply chain. Auditors currently rely on stakeholders' compliance in order to verify data. Malicious parties may falsify the data before passing it onto the auditor. Using supply chains as a case study we present BlockTorrent, a protocol to address these challenges and help facilitate data sharing between supply chain participants. BlockTorrent allows participants to securely share their data in near real-time with other participants without the risk of information leakage or allowing the falsification of data, whilst guaranteeing data availability for auditors. This is achieved using a novel combination of distributed storage and on-chain secret sharing. This paper provides an implementation and evaluation of BlockTorrent, highlighting its performance and a security discussion. Lastly, we provide a discussion on the privacy challenges that were considered when designing BlockTorrent.

As industries across the globe continue to digitize their processes, the need for a mechanism to share private data between multiple stakeholders is becoming increasingly apparent. However, sharing data poses challenges around privacy and accessibility, particularly in the event of disputes between stakeholders with a shared interest, such as a supply chain. Using supply chains as a case study, we present BlockTorrent to address these challenges and facilitate data sharing between supply chain participants. BlockTorrent allows participants to securely share their data in near real-time with other participants without the risk of information leakage or data manipulation.

This study examined the potential of blockchain technology to enhance supply chain management in Kenya’s tea sector, addressing persistent challenges such as limited information sharing, poor traceability, and logistical inefficiencies. Despite advancements in supply chain practices, issues like adulteration, volatile market demands, and transparency gaps continue to undermine efficiency and competitiveness. The research highlights the role of blockchain-enabled decentralised data-sharing, which offers immutable records, improved control, and strengthened stakeholder trust. Through blockchain-based smart contracts, stakeholders can achieve real-time visibility, automate transactions, and maintain quality standards without intermediaries. A mixed-methods approach was employed, incorporating structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews with 156 respondents from tea processing companies. Findings reveal that adoption barriers include complex stakeholder dynamics and the geographical dispersion of tea farms. The study underscores the need for collaboration among small-scale farmers, processors, and government agencies to harness blockchain’s full potential. Key research questions explore the specific blockchain features that enhance supply chain effectiveness, the role of stakeholder trust, and implementation challenges. The findings demonstrate blockchain’s transformative potential in building a more resilient and sustainable tea supply chain in Kenya. The study concludes that blockchain can significantly improve transparency and operational efficiency, while recommendations call for further research on its economic implications and integration with emerging technologies.

No abstract available

To solve the problems of data silos and information asymmetry in traditional supply chain information security sharing, this article combines Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) and blockchain consensus algorithms, analyzes data and uses blockchain for secure sharing, so that all parties can obtain and verify data in real time, improve the overall operational efficiency of the supply chain, and promote information transparency and sharing efficiency. CNN can be used to analyze data in the supply chain. Training on real digital images ensures data privacy and improves the accuracy and efficiency of data processing. Blockchain technology can be introduced into supply chain information sharing to ensure the immutability and transparency of data. This article introduces a federated learning (FL) mechanism to improve consensus algorithms, which improves the efficiency of model training. Among them, each link in the FL process is rigorously verified and recorded through the consensus mechanism of blockchain, ensuring the security and reliability of the entire process. This article adopts an improved consensus algorithm, PoDaS (Proof of Data Sharing), whose core idea is to use the computational consumption generated during FL as proof of workload. The specific steps include: local model training and uploading, model update verification shield, and model update aggregation. The PoDaS algorithm combines the advantages of PoW (Proof of Work) and PoS (Proof of Stack) to ensure the fairness of the consensus mechanism and reduce the waste of computing resources. By comparing and analyzing the block time and model accuracy of three algorithms, the superiority of PoDaS algorithm in block time and model accuracy was verified. The experimental results show that the PoDaS algorithm is significantly better than the PoW algorithm in terms of block generation time, and slightly better than the PoS algorithm. In terms of model accuracy, the PoDaS algorithm is significantly superior to traditional PoW and PoS algorithms. Its model accuracy reaches 96.00%, reflecting the effectiveness and practicality of the PoDaS consensus algorithm in the sharing of supply chain information security.

The globalization of trade and commerce has introduced complexities in supply chain management (SCM), necessitating effective information sharing for enhanced transparency and collaboration. Traditional SCM systems, characterized by centralized databases and intermediaries, often lead to inefficiencies and information silos. This paper explores the application of blockchain technology in SCM, highlighting its potential to address these challenges by providing a decentralized, immutable, and secure platform for information sharing. Through a comprehensive review of literature and analysis of case studies in the food, pharmaceutical, and retail industries, this study demonstrates how blockchain enhances transparency, traceability, and efficiency. The findings indicate significant improvements in key performance metrics such as transparency, cost reduction, and risk management post-blockchain implementation. However, the study also identifies several challenges, including scalability, integration with existing systems, and regulatory compliance. The practical implications for supply chain managers and businesses are discussed, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts and supportive regulatory frameworks to fully realize the benefits of blockchain technology in SCM.

With the deepening process of globalization, the rapid development of information technology and the diversification of logistics methods, supply chain management faces increasingly complex challenges. This study explores the future development trends, challenges and opportunities of information sharing platforms in global supply chains. In global supply chains, information sharing platforms are of great significance. It facilitates real-time data exchange and collaboration among supply chain segments and help improve supply chain transparency, flexibility and efficiency. However, global supply chain information sharing faces many challenges, including problems in information security, technical standards, cultural differences, and laws and regulations. In response to these challenges, this paper proposes future directions for developing a global supply chain information sharing platform, including digitization, automation, cross-platform cross-border collaboration, data security and privacy protection, application of new technologies, and flexibility and adaptability. This study provides useful insights and guidance for future global supply chain management by exploring the global supply chain information sharing platform.

This research explores the integration of the Internet of Things (IoT) in mitigating supply chain risks within the retail industry, highlighting the crucial role of information sharing strategies as a mediating factor. Through an extensive analysis, the study reveals that all examined relationships between IoT implementation, supply chain risk mitigation, and the effectiveness of information sharing are positively correlated and statistically significant, suggesting that enhanced IoT capabilities can lead to more effective risk management through improved data transparency and communication among stakeholders. A key limitation of this research is the reliance on quantitative data, which may not fully capture the nuanced experiences of industry practitioners; future studies could benefit from qualitative insights to deepen understanding. Practically, this research underscores the necessity for hospitality organizations to develop robust information sharing strategies that leverage IoT technologies, ultimately fostering resilience and adaptability in supply chains. Additionally, this study contributes to the hospitality sector by providing a framework that integrates modern technological solutions with strategic management practices, guiding industry leaders in enhancing operational efficiency and customer satisfaction through proactive risk management.

In recent years, the rapid development and widespread application of new generation information technology has profoundly influenced the new round of manufacturing industry transformation. Information sharing is a key factor in determining the efficiency of supply chain operations and remains one of the hot issues of supply chain management research. Considering the disrupted and unstable information flow of current complex product supply chain, this paper constructs a blockchain-based complex product supply chain information sharing system (BC-CPSCISS). A blockchain-based information storage and access method is proposed to promote secure, transparent, and efficient information interaction. A decision model for complex product supply chain information sharing was established based on Stackelberg game theory. The impact of blockchain application cost and its value gain on the optimal decision is herein discussed. The condition of applying blockchain technology under economic objective is also analyzed. The results indicate that complex product supply chain enterprises should fully consider the cost of applying blockchain and its impact on overall economic benefits before making their decision.