Critical Role of Coopetition Among Supply Chains for Blockchain Adoption: Review of Reviews and Mixed-Method Analysis

Abstract

The major purpose of this study is to investigate the role of coopetition among supply chains in blockchain adoption leading to sustainability in supply chains. This research uses a three-step process. First, a review of reviews is conducted to search the variables that would positively influence adoption of blockchain in supply chain. In the second step, total interpretive structural modeling (TISM) was utilized to understand the relationships among the enablers. Following the qualitative phase, an empirical study was conducted to test the hypotheses related to the mediating role of coopetition. Review of reviews identified 17 variables that can positively influence blockchain adoption in supply chain. The findings of TISM model revealed the hierarchical relationship among the enablers of blockchain adoption for supply chain management based on their relative importance. The results of the SEM-based study indicated that 'coopetition' plays a mediating role between the driver and dependent variables leading to sustainable supply chain. The research offers practical insights to integrate blockchain application in the supply chains leading to better supply chain transparency and ultimately sustainability. The research would support managers to develop suitable strategies to strengthen mechanism to enhance coopetition among competing supply chain to realize the benefits of emerging technologies. The originality of the study lies in the study of variables that influence blockchain adoption in supply chain using a mixed-method approach. Further, the research establishes the critical role of coopetition in achieving the benefits of blockchain adoption.