What are the impacts of the blockchain technology on supply chain collaboration? A focus on the food industry.

This study aimed to explore and give insights about the potential impacts of the blockchain technology on the supply chain collaboration in the food industry. To answer the question, a three steps method has been undertaken. First of all, it has been necessary to collect knowledge about the two main concepts, which are the supply chain collaboration and the blockchain technology, respectively. Through an extensive literature review, a model framework for collaboration could be proposed. Besides, the theory investigation related to the blockchain allowed to scan the main features and its applications in the supply chain. In addition, it also emphasized the limits and challenges of this potentially disrupting technology. Based on this literature review, three major research questions were raised: • How does the blockchain technology meet the technological requirements for collaboration? • What impact does the blockchain technology have on the cultural context of companies and supply chains, regarding collaboration? • What impact does the blockchain technology have on the key elements of collaboration? The second step of the study was then to collect primary data to answer the different research questions. To do so, eight semi-directive interviews were performed. Four different types of people active in supply chains were interviewed differing on their relationship to the distributed ledger technology; blockchain consultants, companies using the technology in their supply chain, companies offering blockchain applications and a supply chain collaborative expert. An analysis of the food industry was also performed. After an in-depth analysis of the data, further compared to the theoretical background, six hypotheses were formulated to suggest possible answers to the research questions. The following table gathers the proposed hypotheses: Hypothesis 1 The blockchain can support collaboration within the food supply chain through its high level of security and its ability to address traceability and technological problems, provided that it has been implemented in a fair and collaborative manner. Hypothesis 2 The blockchain technology indirectly creates long-term relationships by removing actors that do not want to act in a sustainable way. Hypothesis 3 By improving the visibility of each actor in the food supply chain, the blockchain enhances the market reputation and bargaining power of small food actors. This might ultimately promote power-symmetry. Hypothesis 4 The blockchain takes over the contractual compliance issues through its technology and its algorithms, making trust between partners less relevant. Therefore, it enhances the development of new relationships along the chain. Hypothesis 5 The blockchain technology decreases stakeholder’s reluctance about sharing their information. Hypothesis 6 As soon as every player understands the potential of the technology and finds a motivation to use it, the blockchain can be seen as a solution connecting their different incentives toward a global objective that is empowered by the blockchain.