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Barriers to Blockchain Adoption in the Circular Economy: A Fuzzy Delphi and Best-Worst Approach

Author

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  • Abderahman Rejeb

    (Doctoral School of Regional Sciences and Business Administration‚ Széchenyi István University‚ 9026 Győr, Hungary)

  • Karim Rejeb

    (Faculty of Sciences of Bizerte, University of Carthage, Zarzouna, Bizerte 7021, Tunisia)

  • John G. Keogh

    (McGill Centre for the Convergence of Health and Economics (MCCHE), Desautels Faculty of Management, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada)

  • Suhaiza Zailani

    (Department of Operations Management and Information System, Faculty of Business and Accountancy, University Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50203, Malaysia)

Abstract

Blockchain can help to fundamentally alter aspects of circular economy (CE) activities and overcome pressing sustainability issues. Nevertheless, limited studies have investigated the barriers to blockchain adoption in the CE. This study aims to close the knowledge gap by providing a comprehensive review of the barriers hampering the adoption and integration of blockchain technology in the CE. An integrated approach based on fuzzy Delphi and best-worst methods has been applied to analyze and rank the barriers. Sixteen barriers to blockchain adoption in the CE were identified from the academic literature and validated by a panel of experts. The findings from the fuzzy Delphi technique identified ten significant barriers for further analysis. Then, using the best-worst method, the optimal weights were determined based on the experts’ judgment to recognize the importance of each barrier. The findings from this method showed that a lack of knowledge and management support, reluctance to change and technological immaturity are the most significant barriers. In contrast, the least significant barriers are investment costs, security risks, and scalability issues. Theoretically, this study is the first to apply an integrated approach combining fuzzy Delphi and best-worst techniques to prioritze the barriers to blockchain adoption in the CE. It also provides valuable insights for managers and decision-makers that can be used to optimize blockchain implementations in the CE.

Suggested Citation

  • Abderahman Rejeb & Karim Rejeb & John G. Keogh & Suhaiza Zailani, 2022. "Barriers to Blockchain Adoption in the Circular Economy: A Fuzzy Delphi and Best-Worst Approach," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(6), pages 1-23, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:6:p:3611-:d:774743
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