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Empowering Global Supply Chains Through Blockchain-Based Platforms: New Evidence from the Coffee Industry

Author

Listed:
  • Tommaso Agnola

    (Dipartimento Tecnologie Innovative, Scuola Universitaria Professionale della Svizzera Italiana, 6962 Lugano, Switzerland)

  • Luca Ambrosini

    (Dipartimento Tecnologie Innovative, Scuola Universitaria Professionale della Svizzera Italiana, 6962 Lugano, Switzerland)

  • Edoardo Beretta

    (Institute of Economics, Università della Svizzera Italiana, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland)

  • Giuliano Gremlich

    (Dipartimento Tecnologie Innovative, Scuola Universitaria Professionale della Svizzera Italiana, 6962 Lugano, Switzerland)

Abstract

Global supply chains, especially in commodity trading, are plagued by fragmentation, lack of transparency, and trust deficits among participants. These issues lead to inefficiencies, increased costs, and an over-reliance on intermediaries. The present Communication describes a blockchain-based platform that leverages Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI) and Verifiable Credentials (VCs) to address these challenges in supply chain management. Developed in collaboration with coffee industry stakeholders, our approach proposes a platform with an integrated marketplace for seller discovery, enables precise order definition with detailed terms and conditions, and actively guides both buyers and sellers throughout the shipping process, managing financial guarantees and ensuring a secure transaction flow. The platform is compatible with both traditional banking infrastructure and modern crypto-based systems, enabling seamless financial transactions. In cases where disputes arise, we empower users to easily collect all communications and documents to present to legal authorities, expediting the resolution process. The platform is implemented using the Internet Computer Protocol (ICP) for secure, on-chain storage and application hosting, and is integrated with the Ethereum blockchain to leverage its extensive decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem, significant liquidity, and robust stablecoin infrastructure, thereby facilitating secure financial transactions. Moreover, we introduce an SSI-based authentication and authorization framework that spans across the entire platform, including both the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) and Internet Computer Protocol (ICP), enabling unified role-based access control through verifiable credentials. A value-added of the present Communication, the framework is demonstrated by means of a detailed case study in the coffee industry, highlighting the technical challenges addressed during implementation. While quantitative efficiency metrics will be established through upcoming real-world testing with industry partners, the platform’s design aims to streamline operations by reducing intermediary dependencies and automating key processes. Finally, the Communication provides insights into its adaptability to other industries facing comparable supply chain challenges, presenting an approach focused on enhancing trust and reducing reliance on intermediaries.

Suggested Citation

  • Tommaso Agnola & Luca Ambrosini & Edoardo Beretta & Giuliano Gremlich, 2025. "Empowering Global Supply Chains Through Blockchain-Based Platforms: New Evidence from the Coffee Industry," FinTech, MDPI, vol. 4(1), pages 1-30, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jfinte:v:4:y:2025:i:1:p:3-:d:1563834
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Clinton Free & Angela Hecimovic, 2021. "Global supply chains after COVID-19: the end of the road for neoliberal globalisation?," Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 34(1), pages 58-84, September.
    2. Hassan Younis & Malek Alsharairi & Hammad Younes & Balan Sundarakani, 2023. "The impact of COVID-19 on supply chains: systematic review and future research directions," Operational Research, Springer, vol. 23(3), pages 1-31, September.
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    6. repec:eme:aaaj00:aaaj-06-2020-4634 is not listed on IDEAS
    7. Tejas Potnis & Yui-yip Lau & Tsz Leung Yip, 2023. "Roles of Blockchain Technology in Supply Chain Capability and Flexibility," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(9), pages 1-22, May.
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