Creating value for Small and Medium Enterprises with the logistic applications of blockchain

Abstract

Blockchain is a new technical innovation based on distributed ledger technology, which, according to the literature, promises to improve supply chains by facilitating trusted transactions. Due to its immutability it can help eliminate third parties, which traditionally intermediate between the parties involved in transactions. Large multinational companies that have major influence in supply chains can easily rape the benefits of blockchain, however, small and medium size enterprises (SMEs), which together generate 99% of the added value of the Dutch economics, do not have the means to achieve this. Therefore, this research poses the question, which user cases exist already and which opportunities do they offer for SME’s to create value. The paper answers this question based on literature and the analysis of 70 user cases. Based on the analysis the SMEs are advised, which of the following five strategies to follow, ignoring it, waiting to see the market developments, make use of blockchain services offered by the new blockchain based middlemen, such as the supply chain finance, paperless and market platform solutions, integrate in existing blockchains of multinationals as Maersk or create their own blockchain. Key wordsblockchain, logistics, supply chain, technology innovation, transactions