ISSN: 2226-3624
Open access
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has put tremendous pressure on global supply chain risk management (SCRM). Recent technological advances, especially blockchain technology (BCT), a leader in distributed digital technology with its traceability, transparency, immutability, and district-centralization features, have shown some success in several areas of supply chain risk management. However, the literature lacks a comprehensive analysis of the relationship between blockchain and SCRM. The work in this paper provides a comprehensive review of the relatively limited literature in this area. An analysis of 51 shortlisted articles from the scopus database shows that the field is still in a rapid development phase and researchers have shown remarkable interest in it. The main objective of this study is to review the current state of research so that researchers can clearly understand the research gaps in the application of blockchain technology in supply chain risk management. In addition, this study provides an future outlook for researchers and practitioners to focus on the application of corporate blockchain in supply chain risk management in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Aharon, A. A., Ruban, A., & Dubovi, I. (2021). Knowledge and information credibility evaluation strategies regarding COVID-19: A cross-sectional study. Nursing Outlook, 69(1), 22–31. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2020.09.001
Alkhudary, R., Queiroz, M. M., & Féniès, P. (2024, January). Mitigating the risk of specific supply chain disruptions through blockchain technology. Supply Chain Forum: An International Journal, 25(1), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1080/16258312.2022.2090273
Bai, C., Zhu, Q., & Sarkis, J. (2024). Do blockchain capabilities help overcome supply and operational risks: Insights from firm market returns during COVID-19. Omega, 126, 103049. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.omega.2024.103049
Bai, F., Zhang, C., & Zhang, X. (2024). Intelligent optimal demand response implemented by blockchain and cooperative game in microgrids. International Transactions in Operational Research, 31(6), 3704–3731. https://doi.org/10.1111/itor.13296
Beck, J., Birkel, H., Spieske, A., & Gebhardt, M. (2023). Will the blockchain solve the supply chain resilience challenges? Insights from a systematic literature review. Computers & Industrial Engineering, 109623. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cie.2023.109623
Cai, C., Hao, X., Wang, K., & Dong, X. (2023). The impact of perceived benefits on blockchain adoption in supply chain management. Sustainability, 15(8), 6634. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15086634
Chaudhuri, A., Bhatia, M. S., Kayikci, Y., Fernandes, K. J., & Fosso-Wamba, S. (2023). Improving social sustainability and reducing supply chain risks through blockchain implementation: Role of outcome and behavioural mechanisms. Annals of Operations Research, 1–33. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10479-021-04307-6
Chavalala, M. M., Bag, S., Pretorius, J. H. C., & Rahman, M. S. (2024). A multi-method study on the barriers of the blockchain technology application in the cold supply chains. Journal of Enterprise Information Management, 37(2), 745–776. https://doi.org/10.1108/JEIM-06-2022-0209
Crawford, J., & Jabbour, M. (2024). The relationship between enterprise risk management and managerial judgment in decision-making: A systematic literature review. International Journal of Management Reviews, 26(1), 110–136. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijmr.12337
Choi, T. M. (2023). Supply chain financing using blockchain: Impacts on supply chains selling fashionable products. Annals of Operations Research, 331(1), 393–415. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10479-020-03615-7
Chowdhury, S., Rodriguez-Espindola, O., Dey, P., & Budhwar, P. (2023). Blockchain technology adoption for managing risks in operations and supply chain management: Evidence from the U.K. Annals of Operations Research, 327(1), 539–574. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10479-021-04487-1
Denter, N. M., Seeger, F., & Moehrle, M. G. (2023). How can blockchain technology support patent management? A systematic literature review. International Journal of Information Management, 68, Article 102506. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2022.102506
Dal Maso, L., Gianfagna, L., Maglione, F., & Lattanzi, N. (2024). Going green: Environmental risk management, market value and performance. Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, 31(1), 122–132. https://doi.org/10.1002/csr.2556
Dash, S., Ghugar, U., Godavarthi, D., & Mohanty, S. N. (2024). HCSRL: Hyperledger composer system for reducing logistics losses in the pharmaceutical product supply chain using a blockchain-based approach. Scientific Reports, 14(1), 13528. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-61654-7
Dehshiri, S. J. H., & Amiri, M. (2024). Evaluation of blockchain implementation solutions in the sustainable supply chain: A novel hybrid decision approach based on Z-numbers. Expert Systems with Applications, 235, 121123. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eswa.2023.121123
Duong, N. H., & Ha, Q. A. (2021). The links between supply chain risk management practices, supply chain integration and supply chain performance in Southern Vietnam: A moderation effect of supply chain social sustainability. Cogent Business & Management, 8(1), 1999556.
Elnur, B. S. (2025). Global supply chain management in the drilling industry. The Journal of Economics, Finance and Innovation, 4(1), 32–39.
Emrouznejad, A., Abbasi, S., & S?cakyüz, Ç. (2023). Supply chain risk management: A content analysis-based review of existing and emerging topics. Supply Chain Analytics, 3, 100031. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sca.2023.100031
El Baz, J., & Ruel, S. (2021). Can supply chain risk management practices mitigate the disruption impacts on supply chains’ resilience and robustness? Evidence from an empirical survey in a COVID-19 outbreak era. International Journal of Production Economics, 233, 107972. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpe.2020.107972
Feitosa e Silva, H., & Machado, R. L. (2024). Blockchain in the supply chain: Systematic review of the literature for a performance improvement proposal based on a conceptual framework. Engineering Management Journal, 1–22. https://doi.org/10.1080/10429247.2024.2345527
Ferdous, O., Yousefi, S., & Tosarkani, B. M. (2023). Implications of blockchain technology to sustainable supply chain management. In Encyclopedia of Sustainable Technologies (2nd ed.). Elsevier.
Gao, Z. (2023). Application of the Internet of Things and blockchain technology in improving supply chain financial risk management system. IETE Journal of Research, 69(10), 6878–6887. https://doi.org/10.1080/03772063.2021.2022539
Gozali, L., Kristina, H. J., Yosua, A., Zagloel, T. Y. M., Masrom, M., Susanto, S., … & Daywin, F. J. (2024). The improvement of blockchain technology simulation in supply chain management (case study: pesticide company). Scientific Reports, 14(1), 3784. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-53694-w
Gurtu, A. (2023). Truck transport industry in the USA: Challenges and likely disruptions. International Journal of Logistics Systems and Management, 44(1), 46–58. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJLSM.2023.128552
Herbe, A., Estermann, Z., Holzwarth, V., & vom Brocke, J. (2024). How to effectively use distributed ledger technology in supply chain management? International Journal of Production Research, 62(7), 2522–2547. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207543.2023.2218947
Hong, L., & Hales, D. N. (2023). How blockchain manages supply chain risks: Evidence from Indian manufacturing companies. The International Journal of Logistics Management. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJLM-05-2023-0178
Hohenstein, N. O. (2022). Supply chain risk management in the COVID-19 pandemic: Strategies and empirical lessons for improving global logistics service providers’ performance. The International Journal of Logistics Management, 33(4), 1336–1365. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJLM-02-2021-0109
Horvat, N., Gaji?, D. B., Trifunovi?, P., Petrovi?, V. B., Dragan, D., & Kati?, V. (2024). Performance evaluation of a distributed ledger-based platform for renewable energy trading. IEEE Access. https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2024.3416612
Ivanov, D., Dolgui, A., & Sokolov, B. (2019). The impact of digital technology and Industry 4.0 on the ripple effect and supply chain risk analytics. International Journal of Production Research, 57(3), 829–846. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207543.2018.1488086
Jaloliddin, R. (2023). Digitalization in global trade: Opportunities and challenges for investment. Global Trade and Customs Journal, 18(10). https://doi.org/10.54648/gtcj2023043
Kalbouneh, N., Bataineh, K., Al-Hamad, A., Dwakat, M., Abualoush, S., Almasarweh, M., & Al-Smadi, R. (2023). The effects of blockchain technology and big data analytics on supply chain performance: The mediating effect of supply chain risk management. Uncertain Supply Chain Management, 11(3), 903–914. https://doi.org/10.5267/j.uscm.2023.5.008
Kaur, J., Kumar, S., Narkhede, B. E., Dabi?, M., Rathore, A. P. S., & Joshi, R. (2024). Barriers to blockchain adoption for supply chain finance: The case of Indian SMEs. Electronic Commerce Research, 24(1), 303–340. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10660-022-09566-4
Kumar, A., Singh, R. K., & Singh, D. (2024). Supply chain resilience in developing countries: A bibliometric analysis and future research directions. Benchmarking: An International Journal, 31(7), 2217–2238. https://doi.org/10.1108/BIJ-02-2023-0112
Kumar Singh, S., Singh, A., Jenamani, M., & Rana, N. P. (2024). Analyzing barriers to integrated RFID-blockchain adoption in the Indian public distribution systems. Journal of Enterprise Information Management. https://doi.org/10.1108/JEIM-08-2022-0286
Lee, C. A., Chow, K. M., Chan, H. A., & Lun, D. P. K. (2023). Decentralized governance and artificial intelligence policy with blockchain-based voting in federated learning. Frontiers in Research Metrics and Analytics, 8, 1035123. https://doi.org/10.3389/frma.2023.1035123
Lee, S. S. (2024). Analysing supply chain risk management strategies in humanitarian organization.
Li, Z., Liang, X., Wen, Q., & Wan, E. (2024). The analysis of financial network transaction risk control based on blockchain and edge computing technology. IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management. https://doi.org/10.1109/TEM.2024.3364832
Liu, L., Li, F., & Qi, E. (2019). Research on risk avoidance and coordination of supply chain subject based on blockchain technology. Sustainability, 11(7), 2182. https://doi.org/10.3390/su11072182
Liu, L., & Li, F. T. (2022). Investment decision and coordination of blockchain technology in fresh supply chain considering retailers’ risk aversion. Journal of Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management, 36(1), 159–171.
Liu, S., Hua, G., Kang, Y., Cheng, T. E., & Xu, Y. (2022). What value does blockchain bring to the imported fresh food supply chain? Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, 165, 102859. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tre.2022.102859
Lotfi, R., Hazrati, R., Aghakhani, S., Afshar, M., Amra, M., & Ali, S. S. (2024). A data-driven robust optimization in viable supply chain network design by considering open innovation and blockchain technology. Journal of Cleaner Production, 436, 140369. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2023.140369
Lu, Q., Jiang, Y., & Wang, Y. (2024). The effects of supply chain governance on supply chain resilience based on information processing theory. Industrial Management & Data Systems, 124(1), 291–318. https://doi.org/10.1108/IMDS-01-2023-0007
Malik, H., Anees, T., Faheem, M., Chaudhry, M. U., Ali, A., & Asghar, M. N. (2023). Blockchain and Internet of Things in smart cities and drug supply management: Open issues, opportunities, and future directions. Internet of Things, 23, 100860. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iot.2023.100860
Min, H. (2019). Blockchain technology for enhancing supply chain resilience. Business Horizons, 62(1), 35–45. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bushor.2018.08.012
Manzoor, R., Sahay, B. S., & Singh, S. K. (2024). Examining the factors that facilitate or hinder the use of blockchain technology to enhance the resilience of supply chains. IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management. https://doi.org/10.1109/TEM.2024.3358722
Merino, L. A. P., & Sanchez, D. S. M. (2024). Factors influencing natural disaster risk management for seismic activity: A literature review. Preprints. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202405.0785.v1
Medina, M. J., Baudet, C., & Lebraty, J. F. (2024). Blockchain and agency theory in supply chain management: A question of trust. International Journal of Information Management, 75, 102747. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2023.102747
Nnaji, U. O., Benjamin, L. B., Eyo-Udo, N. L., & Etukudoh, E. A. (2024). Advanced risk management models for supply chain finance. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 22(2), 612–618. https://doi.org/10.30574/wjarr.2024.22.2.1444
Niu, B., Xu, H., & Chen, L. (2022). Creating all-win by blockchain in a remanufacturing supply chain with consumer risk-aversion and quality untrust. Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, 163, 102778. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tre.2022.102778
Okoye, C. C., Ofodile, O. C., Tula, S. T., Nifise, A. O. A., Falaiye, T., Ejairu, E., & Addy, W. A. (2024). Risk management in international supply chains: A review with USA and African cases. Magna Scientia Advanced Research and Reviews, 10(1), 256–264. https://doi.org/10.30574/msarr.2024.10.1.0024
Olawale, O., Ajayi, F. A., Udeh, C. A., & Odejide, O. A. (2024). Risk management and HR practices in supply chains: Preparing for the future. Magna Scientia Advanced Research and Reviews, 10(2), 238–255. https://doi.org/10.30574/msarr.2024.10.2.0065
Ressi, D., Romanello, R., Piazza, C., & Rossi, S. (2024). AI-enhanced blockchain technology: A review of advancements and opportunities. Journal of Network and Computer Applications, 103858. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnca.2024.103858
Rahmani Fazli, H., & Teymori, H. R. (2024). The effect of economic uncertainty on the supply chain risks of industrial plants. Journal of Applied Research on Industrial Engineering, 11(3), 487–496. https://doi.org/10.22105/jarie.2024.409059.1558
Rijanto, A. (2024). Blockchain technology roles to overcome accounting, accountability and assurance barriers in supply chain finance. Asian Review of Accounting. https://doi.org/10.1108/ARA-03-2023-0090
Seow, A. N., Choong, Y. O., Low, M. P., Ismail, N. H., & Choong, C. K. (2024). Building tourism SMEs' business resilience through adaptive capability, supply chain collaboration and strategic human resource. Journal of Contingencies and Crisis Management, 32(2), e12564. https://doi.org/10.1111/1468-5973.12564
Sheel, A., & Nath, V. (2020). Blockchain technology adoption in the supply chain (UTAUT2 with risk)–Evidence from Indian supply chains. International Journal of Applied Management Science, 12(4), 324–346. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJAMS.2020.110344
Showkat, S., & Qureshi, S. (2023). Securing the Internet of Things through blockchain approach: Security architectures, consensus algorithms, enabling technologies, open issues, and research directions. International Journal of Computing and Digital Systems, 13(1), 97–129. http://dx.doi.org/10.12785/ijcds/130109
Surucu-Balci, E., Iris, Ç., & Balci, G. (2024). Digital information in maritime supply chains with blockchain and cloud platforms: Supply chain capabilities, barriers, and research opportunities. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 198, 122978. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2023.122978
Tong, S., Zhang, T., & Zhang, Z. (2022). Credit risk early warning of small and medium-sized enterprises based on blockchain trusted data. Journal of Information & Knowledge Management, 21(2), 2250014. https://doi.org/10.1142/S0219649222500149
Vishnubhotla, A. K., Pati, R. K., & Padhi, S. S. (2020). Can projects on blockchain reduce risks in supply chain management? An oil company case study. IIM Kozhikode Society & Management Review, 9(2), 189–201. https://doi.org/10.1177/2277975220913370
Wang, M. (2023). Effect of blockchain technology–supply chain risk fit on new product development performance: The moderating role of supply chain upgrading. Journal of General Management. https://doi.org/10.1177/03063070231216679
Wang, M., Yang, F., Shan, F., & Guo, Y. (2024). Blockchain adoption for combating remanufacturing perceived risks in a reverse supply chain. Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, 183, 103448. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tre.2024.103448
Xu, X., & He, Y. (2024). Blockchain application in modern logistics information sharing: A review and case study analysis. Production Planning & Control, 35(9), 886–900. https://doi.org/10.1080/09537287.2022.2058997
Xu, X., Tatge, L., Xu, X., & Liu, Y. (2024). Blockchain applications in the supply chain management in German automotive industry. Production Planning & Control, 35(9), 917–931. https://doi.org/10.1080/09537287.2022.2044073
Yogarajan, L., Masukujjaman, M., Ali, M. H., Khalid, N., Osman, L. H., & Alam, S. S. (2023). Exploring the hype of blockchain adoption in agri-food supply chain: A systematic literature review. Agriculture, 13(6), 1173. https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13061173
Zhang, T., Jia, F., & Chen, L. (2025). Blockchain adoption in supply chains: Implications for sustainability. Production Planning & Control, 36(5), 699–722.
Chen, L., Shaharudin, M. S., Wei, B., Ma, J., Lei, L., & Wenhua, C. (2025). Supply Chain Risk Management with Blockchain: A Literature Review and Future Research Directions. International Journal of Academic Research in Economics and Management Sciences, 14(2), 306–335.
Copyright: © 2025 The Author(s)
Published by HRMARS (www.hrmars.com)
This article is published under the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0) license. Anyone may reproduce, distribute, translate and create derivative works of this article (for both commercial and non-commercial purposes), subject to full attribution to the original publication and authors. The full terms of this license may be seen at: http://creativecommons.org/licences/by/4.0/legalcode