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Mapping the Landscape of Blockchain for Transparent and Sustainable Supply Chains: A Bibliometric and Thematic Analysis

Author

Listed:
  • Félix Díaz

    (Facultad de Ingeniería y Arquitectura, Universidad Autónoma del Perú, Lima 150142, Peru)

  • Rafael Liza

    (Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Tecnológica del Perú, Lima 150101, Peru)

  • Nhell Cerna

    (Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Privada del Norte, Lima 150183, Peru)

Abstract

Background: The increasing complexity of global supply chains has intensified the demand for transparency, traceability, security, and sustainability in logistics and operations. Blockchain technology enables decentralized, immutable frameworks that improve data integrity, automate transactions via smart contracts, and integrate seamlessly with the IoT and AI. Methods: This bibliometric review analyzes 559 peer-reviewed publications retrieved from Scopus and Web of Science using a PRISMA-guided protocol. Data were processed with Bibliometrix and Biblioshiny to examine scientific production, contributing institutions, author countries, collaboration patterns, thematic clusters, and keyword evolution. Results: The analysis reveals a 400% increase in publications after 2020, with China, India, and the USA leading in output but with limited international collaboration. Keyword co-occurrence and thematic mapping reveal dominant topics, including smart contracts, food supply chain traceability, and sustainability, as well as emerging themes such as decentralization, privacy, and the circular economy. Conclusions: The field is marked by interdisciplinary growth, yet it remains thematically and geographically fragmented. This review maps the intellectual structure of blockchain-enabled sustainable supply chains, offering insights for policymakers, developers, and industry leaders and outlining future research avenues centered on global cooperation, platform efficiency, and ethical and regulatory dimensions.

Suggested Citation

  • Félix Díaz & Rafael Liza & Nhell Cerna, 2025. "Mapping the Landscape of Blockchain for Transparent and Sustainable Supply Chains: A Bibliometric and Thematic Analysis," Logistics, MDPI, vol. 9(3), pages 1-30, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlogis:v:9:y:2025:i:3:p:86-:d:1690838
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. William Nikolakis & Lijo John & Harish Krishnan, 2018. "How Blockchain Can Shape Sustainable Global Value Chains: An Evidence, Verifiability, and Enforceability (EVE) Framework," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(11), pages 1-16, October.
    2. Yavuz Selim Balcıoğlu & Ahmet Alkan Çelik & Erkut Altındağ, 2024. "Integrating Blockchain Technology in Supply Chain Management: A Bibliometric Analysis of Theme Extraction via Text Mining," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(22), pages 1-34, November.
    3. David Moher & Alessandro Liberati & Jennifer Tetzlaff & Douglas G Altman & The PRISMA Group, 2009. "Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses: The PRISMA Statement," PLOS Medicine, Public Library of Science, vol. 6(7), pages 1-6, July.
    4. Kouhizadeh, Mahtab & Saberi, Sara & Sarkis, Joseph, 2021. "Blockchain technology and the sustainable supply chain: Theoretically exploring adoption barriers," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 231(C).
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    6. Daniel DiMase & Zachary A. Collier & Jinae Carlson & Robin B. Gray & Igor Linkov, 2016. "Traceability and Risk Analysis Strategies for Addressing Counterfeit Electronics in Supply Chains for Complex Systems," Risk Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 36(10), pages 1834-1843, October.
    7. Houssein Hellani & Layth Sliman & Abed Ellatif Samhat & Ernesto Exposito, 2021. "On Blockchain Integration with Supply Chain: Overview on Data Transparency," Logistics, MDPI, vol. 5(3), pages 1-23, July.
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