Blockchain: China’s Leading E-commerce Players Innovate in Traceability

Bălan Carmen ()
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Bălan Carmen: The Bucharest University of Economic Studies

International Conference on Marketing and Business Development Journal, 2018, vol. 1, issue 2, 14-32

Abstract: The purpose of the research presented in this paper is to identify the answer to the following question: “RQ: Which is the present stage of the innovative blockchain-enabled traceability initiatives of China’s leading e-commerce players?†. A literature survey in prominent databases revealed that such review question is raised for the first time. The use of blockchain for goods traceability is extremely recent. The topic is almost absent in the research literature on logistics and supply chain. Consequently, an exploratory research design was applied. The research focused on the Alibaba Group and JD.com, China’s leading e-commerce players. Both players seized the opportunities of the new technology to improve goods traceability and supply chain transparency. They took initiatives and launched projects on blockchain-enhanced traceability. The present stage is pilot testing and a business ecosystem paradigm is applied. Implications for the e-commerce players that intend to use blockchain to enhance traceability are presented. They range from project aim and scope to strong partnerships and standardisation. The papaer addresses a research question in the nascent study field of blockchain-enabled traceability. Specific implications for practice are disclosed. A substantial agenda for further research is suggested.

Keywords: blockchain; traceability; transparent supply chain; e-commerce; innovation; food safety. (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: L81 M31 O39 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
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