Unpacking the complexity of non-technological barriers for blockchain adoption in the supply chain: framework proposal and practical illustration

The demand for secure transactions is crucial in today’s digital era. With its decentralised and immutable features, blockchain technology emerges as a transformative solution for ensuring transparent and reliable agreements. This paper studies the relationship between non-technological barriers in blockchain adoption using Interpretative Structural Modelling (ISM). To understand the level of driving and dependence power of each barrier, a Fuzzy Matriced’ Impacts Croise ́s Multiplication Applique ́e a ́ un Classement (MICMAC) was implemented. The main result was a conceptual framework that clarified the barriers’ hierarchy and revealed a prioritisation order. We illustrate the final model using it to discuss a real case of blockchain failure implementation at TradeLens, a joint venture conceived by A.P. Moller - Maersk and IBM, which is considered the most ambitious story involving blockchain technology aimed at the supply chain. This proposed framework, analysed through real-world case data, offers valuable guidance for researchers and practitioners in developing effective strategies to address the non-technological barriers commonly encountered when implementing blockchain technology in supply chains.