Unravelling how Blockchain technology contributes to a resilient circular economy through stakeholder resource-based theory

Despite abundant research on the effects of Blockchain technology (BCT) on sustainability, the mechanisms underlying its adoption in supply chains (SCs) remain poorly understood. This study aims to assess the effects of BCT on sustainable supply chains (SSCs) based on the stakeholder resource-based view (SRBV) theory. We propose a conceptual model linking resources, capabilities, outcomes, and stakeholders involved in BCT adoption. We adopt a two-stage process to investigate the research questions. First, we systematically review research published on BCT adoption in SSCs from 2018 to 2023 and summarize the key findings from the selected literature. In the second stage, we investigate the dynamics between resources, capabilities, outcomes, and stakeholders through an interpretive structural modeling (ISM) study conducted with ten experts. Moreover, we conduct a MICMAC (Matrice d’Impacts Croisés Appliquée à un Classement) analysis to categorize the model components based on their driving and dependence values. The integrative SRBV framework of BCT adoption that we develop provides a clear, sequential roadmap for both scholars and managers. The validated framework offers a logical pathway for bundling resources to develop capabilities that lead to SC-level outcomes, satisfying the requirements of stakeholders involved in BCT adoption initiatives. We discuss the theoretical and managerial implications of our study and present research propositions to generate insights for further empirical and conceptual investigation.