Exploring Blockchain Technology Suitability in Inter-Organisational Workflows

Blockchain Technology (BCT) is emerging as a transforming tools for inter-organisational collaboration (IOC) workflows, particularly in complex e-payment process within the public sector. In Malaysia, e-payment systems play a significant role in the government’s digital transformation agenda under the MYDigital blueprint. However, challenges such as fragmented operations, manual processes and poor communication undermine the efficiency of transactions between government agencies, acquiring banks and the accounting office. The 2022 Auditor General’s Report revealed inefficiencies, with frequent delays in transferring over RM6.0 billion in government revenue between 2015 and 2020, caused by service provision failures and operational complexities. BCT’s features, including transparency, decentralisation, immutability and automation, position it as a viable solution to these persistent challenges. This study examines trends in BCT-related research from 2017 to 2024 and evaluates key themes relevant to improving IOC workflows. A thematic review (TR) of 35 articles from Scopus and Mendeley was conducted, with thematic analysis performed using ATLAS.ti 24. Seven key themes emerged: autonomous enforcement of penalties, middleware for fragmented systems, automation of manual tasks, service-level agreement (SLA) monitoring platforms, legal aspects of smart contracts, reduction of operational complexity and improved IOC workflow communication. The findings highlight BCT’s potential to address IOC workflow challenges and provide actionable insights for enhancing e-payment processes. These insights are invaluable for public sector organisations aiming to adopt BCT to streamline operations and foster collaboration. Additionally, the study identifies critical avenues for future research, emphasizing the importance of innovative solutions in e-payment systems. BCT’s adoption promises to significantly improve operational efficiency and inter-organisational trust within the public sector.