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Combining Blockchain Technology and the Physical Internet to Achieve Triple Bottom Line Sustainability: A Comprehensive Research Agenda for Modern Logistics and Supply Chain Management

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  • Horst Treiblmaier

    (Department of International Management, MODUL University Vienna, Am Kahlenberg 1, 1190 Vienna, Austria)

Abstract

Integrating triple bottom line (TBL) goals into supply chains (SCs) is a challenging task which necessitates the careful coordination of numerous stakeholders’ individual interests. Recent technological advancements can impact TBL sustainability by changing the design, structure, and management of modern SCs. Blockchain technology enables immutable data records and facilitates a shared data view along the supply chain. The Physical Internet (PI) is an overarching framework that can be applied to create a layered and comprehensive view of the SC. In this conceptual paper, I define and combine these technologies and derive several high-level research areas and research questions (RQ) to investigate adoption and management as well as structural SC issues. I suggest a theory-based research agenda for the years to come that exploits the strengths of rigorous academic research, while remaining relevant for industry. Furthermore, I suggest various well-established theories to tackle the respective research questions and provide specific directions for future research.

Suggested Citation

  • Horst Treiblmaier, 2019. "Combining Blockchain Technology and the Physical Internet to Achieve Triple Bottom Line Sustainability: A Comprehensive Research Agenda for Modern Logistics and Supply Chain Management," Logistics, MDPI, vol. 3(1), pages 1-13, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlogis:v:3:y:2019:i:1:p:10-:d:209389
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    Cited by:

    1. Aditi S. Saha & Rakesh D. Raut & Vinay Surendra Yadav & Abhijit Majumdar, 2022. "Blockchain Changing the Outlook of the Sustainable Food Supply Chain to Achieve Net Zero?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(24), pages 1-21, December.
    2. Abderahman Rejeb & Karim Rejeb & Steve Simske & Horst Treiblmaier, 2021. "Blockchain Technologies in Logistics and Supply Chain Management: A Bibliometric Review," Logistics, MDPI, vol. 5(4), pages 1-28, October.
    3. Manu Sharma & Sudhanshu Joshi & Sunil Luthra & Anil Kumar, 2022. "Managing disruptions and risks amidst COVID-19 outbreaks: role of blockchain technology in developing resilient food supply chains," Operations Management Research, Springer, vol. 15(1), pages 268-281, June.
    4. Stavros Sindakis & Saloome Showkat & Jiafu Su, 2023. "Unveiling the Influence: Exploring the Impact of Interrelationships among E-Commerce Supply Chain Members on Supply Chain Sustainability," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(24), pages 1-27, December.
    5. Abderahman Rejeb & John G. Keogh & Suhaiza Zailani & Horst Treiblmaier & Karim Rejeb, 2020. "Blockchain Technology in the Food Industry: A Review of Potentials, Challenges and Future Research Directions," Logistics, MDPI, vol. 4(4), pages 1-26, October.
    6. Horst Treiblmaier & Abderahman Rejeb & Remko van Hoek & Mary Lacity, 2021. "Intra- and Interorganizational Barriers to Blockchain Adoption: A General Assessment and Coping Strategies in the Agrifood Industry," Logistics, MDPI, vol. 5(4), pages 1-20, December.
    7. Sunhilde Cuc, 2023. "Unlocking the Potential of Blockchain Technology in the Textile and Fashion Industry," FinTech, MDPI, vol. 2(2), pages 1-16, May.
    8. Shahzad, Umer & Ghaemi Asl, Mahdi & Tedeschi, Marco, 2023. "Is there any market state-dependent contribution from Blockchain-enabled solutions to ESG investments? Evidence from conventional and Islamic ESG stocks," International Review of Economics & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 86(C), pages 139-154.
    9. Horst Treiblmaier & Patrick Mair, 2021. "Textual Data Science for Logistics and Supply Chain Management," Logistics, MDPI, vol. 5(3), pages 1-15, August.

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