IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/spr/opmare/v18y2025i3d10.1007_s12063-025-00557-w.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Synergy of blockchain-enabled supply chains, resilience, and sustainability performance in Chinese logistic firms

Author

Listed:
  • Tianjiao Wang

    (Applied Technology College of Soochow University)

  • Abdullah Al Mamun

    (UKM - Graduate School of Business, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia)

  • Mohammad Masukujjaman

    (Management and Science University)

  • Qing Yang

    (UKM - Graduate School of Business, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia)

Abstract

The growing complexity and vulnerability of global supply chains underscore the need for robust frameworks to enhance resilience and sustainability. This quantitative study investigates the enablers of supply chain resilience and examines its dual role as both a direct contributor to sustainability performance and a mediator in the relationship between blockchain technology and sustainability outcomes. A cross-sectional approach was used to collect 387 valid responses from medium- and large-scale logistics firms operating in four major logistics hub cities in China. The data were analyzed using a structural equation modeling approach by applying partial least squares structural equation modeling. The results show that the proposed model explains 37.4% of the variance in SCR (R² = 0.374), 25.2% in economic performance (R² = 0.252), and 30.3% in environmental performance (R² = 0.303). Among the blockchain capabilities, transparency (β = 0.264, p = 0.001) and transaction cost efficiency (β = 0.212, p = 0.000) had the strongest direct effects on SCR, while value co-creation (β = 0.371, p = 0.000) significantly mediated the path between SCR and sustainability outcomes. Furthermore, multi-group analysis revealed significant differences based on firm size and operational tenure, such as a stronger effect of value chain integration on SCR among firms operating for eight years or less (β = 0.421, p = 0.022). Theoretically, this study integrates the multidimensional dynamic capabilities perspective with transaction cost economics, providing a nuanced understanding of blockchain’s role in enhancing supply chain resilience and sustainability, and enriching dynamic capability theory. Practically, it offers actionable insights for practitioners and policymakers by identifying enablers and barriers to blockchain adoption and emphasizing the need for standardized frameworks and supportive policies. This study advances the understanding of blockchain’s transformative potential for building resilient, adaptive, and sustainable supply chains amid global volatility.

Suggested Citation

  • Tianjiao Wang & Abdullah Al Mamun & Mohammad Masukujjaman & Qing Yang, 2025. "Synergy of blockchain-enabled supply chains, resilience, and sustainability performance in Chinese logistic firms," Operations Management Research, Springer, vol. 18(3), pages 1067-1087, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:opmare:v:18:y:2025:i:3:d:10.1007_s12063-025-00557-w
    DOI: 10.1007/s12063-025-00557-w
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: http://link.springer.com/10.1007/s12063-025-00557-w
    File Function: Abstract
    Download Restriction: Access to the full text of the articles in this series is restricted.
    File URL: https://libkey.io/10.1007/s12063-025-00557-w?utm_source=ideas
    LibKey link: if access is restricted and if your library uses this service, LibKey will redirect you to where you can use your library subscription to access this item
    ---><---

    As the access to this document is restricted, you may want to

    for a different version of it.

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Esi A. Elliot & Russell Adams & Ernest Kafui Kwasi Tsetse, 2023. "Customer Value Co-Creation: Environmental Sustainability as a Tourist Experience," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(13), pages 1-16, July.
    2. Joseph Franklin Hair & G. Tomas M. Hult & Christian M. Ringle & Marko Sarstedt & Gulliver Lux & Julien Troiville, 2022. "Modèles d'équations structurelles Partial Least Squares (PLS-SEM)," Post-Print hal-03782748, HAL.
    3. Vaggelis Papachristos & Constantinos Antonopoulos & Nikolaos P. Rachaniotis & Dimitris Spontas & Thomas K. Dasaklis, 2023. "The Potential of ICT Adoption in Promoting Sustainable and Resilient Supply Chains: Evidence from Greek Logistics Firms," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(22), pages 1-20, November.
    4. Panagiotis Trivellas & Georgios Malindretos & Panagiotis Reklitis, 2020. "Implications of Green Logistics Management on Sustainable Business and Supply Chain Performance: Evidence from a Survey in the Greek Agri-Food Sector," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(24), pages 1-29, December.
    5. Zhe Ma & Xuhesheng Chen & Tiejiang Sun & Xukang Wang & Ying Cheng Wu & Mengjie Zhou, 2024. "Blockchain-Based Zero-Trust Supply Chain Security Integrated with Deep Reinforcement Learning for Inventory Optimization," Future Internet, MDPI, vol. 16(5), pages 1-13, May.
    6. Zhaoqian Liu & Mengmeng Wang, 2022. "Improving Circular Supply Chain Performance through Green Innovations: The Moderating Role of Economic Policy Uncertainty," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(24), pages 1-18, December.
    7. Marko Sarstedt & Christian M. Ringle & Joseph F. Hair, 2022. "Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling," Springer Books, in: Christian Homburg & Martin Klarmann & Arnd Vomberg (ed.), Handbook of Market Research, pages 587-632, Springer.
    8. Ahmad Basuki, 2024. "Investigating the Effects of Sustainability Initiatives on Supply Chain Resilience and Performance in Indonesia," International Journal of Supply Chain Management, IPRJB, vol. 9(1), pages 27-38.
    9. Gabriella M. Hastig & ManMohan S. Sodhi, 2020. "Blockchain for Supply Chain Traceability: Business Requirements and Critical Success Factors," Production and Operations Management, Production and Operations Management Society, vol. 29(4), pages 935-954, April.
    10. Matthew Quayson & Eric Kofi Avornu & Albert Kweku Bediako, 2024. "Modeling the enablers of blockchain technology implementation for information management in healthcare supply chains," Modern Supply Chain Research and Applications, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 6(2), pages 101-121, February.
    11. Charles Baah & Yaw Agyabeng-Mensah & Ebenezer Afum & Innocent Senyo Kwasi Acquah & Dacosta Essel, 2023. "Government influence on logistics and supply chain innovations: assessing implications for firm performance and societal impact in an emerging economy," International Journal of Emerging Markets, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 19(11), pages 3646-3666, February.
    12. Aisha Issa & Amir Khadem & Ahmad Alzubi & Ayşen Berberoğlu, 2024. "The Path from Green Innovation to Supply Chain Resilience: Do Structural and Dynamic Supply Chain Complexity Matter?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(9), pages 1-33, April.
    13. Xinqiu Zhu & Yenchun Jim Wu, 2022. "How Does Supply Chain Resilience Affect Supply Chain Performance? The Mediating Effect of Sustainability," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(21), pages 1-19, November.
    14. Weili Yin, 2024. "Exploring the drivers of supply chain sustainability: An internal and external configuration perspective," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 33(6), pages 5873-5885, September.
    15. Iwan Vanany & Mohd Helmi Ali & Kim Hua Tan & Ajay Kumar & Nurhadi Siswanto, 2024. "A Supply Chain Resilience Capability Framework and Process for Mitigating the COVID-19 Pandemic Disruption," Post-Print hal-04605796, HAL.
    16. El Baz, Jamal & Ruel, Salomée & Fozouni Ardekani, Zahra, 2023. "Predicting the effects of supply chain resilience and robustness on COVID-19 impacts and performance: Empirical investigation through resources orchestration perspective," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 164(C).
    17. Queiroz, Maciel M. & Fosso Wamba, Samuel & Chiappetta Jabbour, Charbel Jose & Machado, Marcio C., 2022. "Supply chain resilience in the UK during the coronavirus pandemic: A resource orchestration perspective," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 245(C).
    18. Na Li & Tianxing Ma & Xiaochun Deng, 2024. "Analysis of the coupling degree between regional logistics efficiency and economic development coordination," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 19(1), pages 1-21, January.
    19. Zhao, Nanyang & Hong, Jiangtao & Lau, Kwok Hung, 2023. "Impact of supply chain digitalization on supply chain resilience and performance: A multi-mediation model," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 259(C).
    20. Yongjian Li & Ting Chen, 2022. "Blockchain empowers supply chains: challenges, opportunities and prospects," Nankai Business Review International, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 14(2), pages 230-248, December.
    21. Hotlan Siagian & Zeplin Jiwa Husada Tarigan & Ferry Jie, 2021. "Supply Chain Integration Enables Resilience, Flexibility, and Innovation to Improve Business Performance in COVID-19 Era," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(9), pages 1-19, April.
    22. Gu, Minhao & Yang, Lu & Huo, Baofeng, 2021. "The impact of information technology usage on supply chain resilience and performance: An ambidexterous view," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 232(C).
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Liu, Hua & Xu, Xiaoping & Cheng, T.C.E. & Yu, Yugang, 2024. "Building resilience or maintaining robustness: Insights from relational view and information processing perspective," Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, Elsevier, vol. 188(C).
    2. Qiansong Zhang & Yingying Zhang & Taiwen Feng, 2024. "Impacts of paradox cognition and organizational unlearning on supply chain resilience: a perspective of paradox theory," Operations Management Research, Springer, vol. 17(3), pages 1022-1038, September.
    3. Meike Rombach & David Dean & Frank Vriesekoop & Bin Jiang & Zeyuan Zhou & Wendy Hao & Wim Koning, 2025. "Understanding factors determining Chinese consumer’s willingness to eat cultured meat, insect, and plant-based proteins," International Review on Public and Nonprofit Marketing, Springer;International Association of Public and Non-Profit Marketing, vol. 22(1), pages 77-109, March.
    4. Muhammad Ali Aslam & Zhaolei Li, 2025. "A Sustainable Approach to Boost Resilience in Fast-Moving Consumer Goods: The Critical Role of Suppliers and Transportation Capacity Explored Through PLS-SEM and NCA," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(6), pages 1-29, March.
    5. Rizwan, Amina & Hanif, Muhammad Shehzad & Khan, Talha Zubair Ahmad, 2025. "Laying the foundations of technology startups– An inquiry of crowd-funding investment decisions in a developing country," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 81(C).
    6. Mwesiumo, Deodat & Halpern, Nigel & Bråthen, Svein & Budd, Thomas & Suau-Sanchez, Pere, 2023. "Perceived benefits as a driver and necessary condition for the willingness of air passengers to provide personal data for non-mandatory digital services at airports," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 171(C).
    7. Abdullah Kaid Al-Swidi & Mohammed A Al-Hakimi & Hussam Al Halbusi & Jaithen Abdullah Al Harbi & Hamood Mohammed Al-Hattami, 2024. "Does blockchain technology matter for supply chain resilience in dynamic environments? The role of supply chain integration," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 19(1), pages 1-22, January.
    8. Katarzyna Grzybowska & Agnieszka A. Tubis, 2022. "Supply Chain Resilience in Reality VUCA—An International Delphi Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(17), pages 1-13, August.
    9. Ardekani, Zahra Fozouni & Sobhani, Seyed Mohammad Javad & Barbosa, Marcelo Werneck & de Sousa, Paulo Renato, 2023. "Transition to a sustainable food supply chain during disruptions: A study on the Brazilian food companies in the Covid-19 era," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 257(C).
    10. Nikookar, Ethan & Gligor, David & Russo, Ivan, 2024. "Supply chain resilience: When the recipe is more important than the ingredients for managing supply chain disruptions," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 272(C).
    11. Bunduchi, Raluca & Sitar-Tăut, Dan-Andrei & Mican, Daniel, 2025. "A legitimacy-based explanation for user acceptance of controversial technologies: The case of Generative AI," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 215(C).
    12. Nuhu Tanko Danibrahim & Umar Haiyat Abdul Kohar & Bala Salisu & Logaiswari Indiran, 2025. "How Government Intervention Can Enhance Entrepreneurial Competencies and SME Performance in Northwest Nigeria," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 9(1), pages 3125-3140, January.
    13. Fei Fuong Yap & Shyue Chuan Chong & Chia Yien Lim & Guat Guan Toh, 2025. "Analysing the Impact of Experience, Education and Skills on Women’s Labour Force Participation," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 9(4), pages 1719-1730, April.
    14. Sirui Li & Jing Su & Ying Liu & Xianwei Shi & Jie Wang & Michael D. Lepech, 2024. "Digital retailing practices for triggering physical retailers’ bounce-back and bounce-forward performance against a great shock: evidence from the COVID-19 pandemic," Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 11(1), pages 1-15, December.
    15. Dankyira, Felix Kissi & Essuman, Dominic & Boso, Nathaniel & Ataburo, Henry & Quansah, Emmanuel, 2024. "Clarifying supply chain disruption and operational resilience relationship from a threat-rigidity perspective: Evidence from small and medium-sized enterprises," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 274(C).
    16. Li Cui & Hao Wu & Lin Wu & Ajay Kumar & Kim Hua Tan, 2023. "Investigating the relationship between digital technologies, supply chain integration and firm resilience in the context of COVID-19," Annals of Operations Research, Springer, vol. 327(2), pages 825-853, August.
    17. Tang, Chaoli & Dong, Shuyun & Zhou, Rui, 2025. "The impact of digitalization on corporate resilience," International Review of Economics & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 97(C).
    18. Lu, Xingwei & Xu, Xianhao & Sun, Yi, 2025. "Enhancing resilience in supply chains through resource orchestration and AI assimilation: An empirical exploration," Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, Elsevier, vol. 195(C).
    19. Jianhua Yang & Yuying Liu & Yajun Jia, 2022. "Influence of Trust Relationships with Suppliers on Manufacturer Resilience in COVID-19 Era," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(15), pages 1-23, July.
    20. Soumya Varma & Nitin Singh & Ajit Patra, 2024. "Supply Chain Flexibility: Unravelling the Research Trajectory Through Citation Path Analysis," Global Journal of Flexible Systems Management, Springer;Global Institute of Flexible Systems Management, vol. 25(2), pages 199-222, June.

    More about this item

    Keywords

    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;

    Statistics

    Access and download statistics

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:spr:opmare:v:18:y:2025:i:3:d:10.1007_s12063-025-00557-w. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: Sonal Shukla or Springer Nature Abstracting and Indexing (email available below). General contact details of provider: http://www.springer.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.