Sustainable and smart: Exploring the nexus between blockchain and sustainability in inter-organisational collaboration

Abstract

This exploratory study examines the nexus between blockchain and collaboration towards sustainability, which has been largely understudied despite advances in understanding blockchain technology. The urgency of sustainability objectives presents an opportunity to explore blockchain’s potential as a collaboration enabler. The study investigates the opportunities and challenges associated with blockchain’s use in this context to understand the relevance and conditions for its adoption. The research draws on original survey data and insights from expert interviews, making two significant contributions: (i) expanding on the limited literature on stakeholder perceptions of blockchain, and (ii) providing a framework outlining the conditions under which blockchain may support stakeholders initiate, manage and evaluate collaborative activities. The study’s findings are illustrated with reference to the challenges of broadening and deepening collaboration towards sustainability and can inform decision-making processes related to the adoption of blockchain technologies.