Blockchain and the new vendor-managed inventory : proposal of a conceptual model based on innovation in inter-organisational Supply Chain Management Practices

Blockchain as an emerging technology, has shown strong relevance across various management fields, including Supply Chain Management. This paper examines the new form and functioning of the Vendor Managed Inventory practice, emerged by the integration of blockchain technology, under a vision based on the managerial innovation (MI) of practices. This research suggests that the use of blockchain in the VMI practice can be a lever for its execution, going from the simple use of the technology towards the potential renewal of its traditional operation, i.e. towards the possibility of innovating in its traditional operation.