Mapping the Knowledge Landscape: A Bibliometric Analysis of Blockchain in Supply Chain Management

Abstract

Purpose:     Blockchain technology has emerged as a transformative enabler of transparency, traceability and trust within supply chains. Simultaneously, the advent of Industry 4.0 has accelerated the integration of advanced digital technologies, such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing and the Internet of Things into global supply chain systems. Despite the growing volume of research on blockchain applications in supply chain management, comprehensive bibliometric syntheses that consolidate the intellectual structure of the field remain limited, resulting in fragmented knowledge. This study aims to address this gap by providing a comprehensive synthesis of research trends and clarifying the theoretical landscape of blockchain-enabled supply chains.

Design/methodology/approach:   The present study conducts a bibliometric analysis of 1,858 Scopus-indexed publications published between 2014 and 2024. The analysis employs the bibliometric package (Biblioshiny in RStudio) alongside the PRISMA framework to examine the development of the field.

Findings:     The findings reveal a substantial growth in scholarly output, with significant contributions from China, India and the United States. Three primary research clusters emerge: (1) blockchain foundations and distributed ledger technologies, (2) blockchain applications in supply chain operations and logistics, and (3) governance mechanisms, trust dynamics and performance implications.

Originality:    Thematic mapping indicates that while the technological foundations of blockchain are relatively mature, emerging areas such as sustainability, circular economy practices and integration with IoT and AI represent promising avenues for future inquiry. This study offers a comprehensive bibliometric synthesis that consolidates the fragmented intellectual structure of the field.

Implications:    This study proposes future research directions for blockchain-enabled supply chains, guiding scholars and practitioners toward underexplored areas including sustainability, circular economy integration and the convergence of blockchain with emerging technologies such as IoT and AI.