“Blockchain for good” – but good for whom and when?: Studies on the impacts of context and temporality

This Special Issue editorial summarizes the multifaceted implications of Distributed Ledger Technologies (DLT), particularly blockchain, emphasizing the necessity of integrating temporality and contextuality into understanding their impacts. It synthesizes contributions from various empirical studies that reveal blockchain's role as a strategic enabler in addressing organizational and supply chain challenges, such as fostering trust and enhancing efficiency. However, each paper in this Special Issue underscores that the efficacy of blockchain is contingent upon contextual factors—ranging from technological readiness to cultural norms. By linking the concepts of temporality and context, this Special Issue sheds light on how varying circumstances shape the adoption and effectiveness of DLT applications. Key themes include the interaction of technological innovation with socio-economic and political landscapes, the conditional nature of trust built through blockchain, and the necessity for contextual sensitivity in implementation strategies. Collectively, these contributions affirm that successful DLT integration is not merely a technological challenge, but a dynamic process influenced by a network of variables, requiring careful management of timing and contextual forces. The findings advocate for a nuanced understanding of DLT as a socially embedded infrastructure that holds potential for mitigating global challenges when aligned with appropriate values, policies, and practices.