Distributed Ledger Technology Applications in Food Supply Chains: A Review of Challenges and Future Research Directions

Jamilya Nurgazina, Udsanee Pakdeetrakulwong, Thomas Moser and Gerald Reiner
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Jamilya Nurgazina: Department Media and Digital Technologies, St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences, 3100 St. Pölten, Austria
Udsanee Pakdeetrakulwong: Software Engineering Department, Nakhon Pathom Rajabhat University, Nakhon Pathom 73000, Thailand
Thomas Moser: Department Media and Digital Technologies, St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences, 3100 St. Pölten, Austria
Gerald Reiner: Department of Information Systems and Operations Management, Vienna University of Economics and Business, 1020 Vienna, Austria

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 8, 1-26

Abstract: The lack of transparency and traceability in food supply chains (FSCs) is raising concerns among consumers and stakeholders about food information credibility, food quality, and safety. Insufficient records, a lack of digitalization and standardization of processes, and information exchange are some of the most critical challenges, which can be tackled with disruptive technologies, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, and distributed ledger technologies (DLTs). Studies provide evidence that novel technological and sustainable practices in FSCs are necessary. This paper aims to describe current practical applications of DLTs and IoT in FSCs, investigating the challenges of implementation, and potentials for future research directions, thus contributing to achievement of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Within a systematic literature review, the content of 69 academic publications was analyzed, describing aspects of implementation and measures to address the challenges of scalability, security, and privacy of DLT, and IoT solutions. The challenges of high costs, standardization, regulation, interoperability, and energy consumption of DLT solutions were also classified as highly relevant, but were not widely addressed in literature. The application of DLTs in FSCs can potentially contribute to 6 strategic SDGs, providing synergies and possibilities for more sustainable, traceable, and transparent FSCs.

Keywords: distributed ledger technology; Internet of Things; food supply chain; blockchain; sustainability; IoT; review (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (16)

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