Analysis of barriers for adopting blockchain in agri-food supply chain management: a decision support framework

Abstract

PurposeIntegrating digital technologies such as artificial intelligence and blockchain make the agri-food supply chain (ASCM) transparent, resilient and flexible. However, its adoption is quite complex due to various anticipated barriers. So, the presented research purposes to explore and investigate the barriers.Design/methodology/approachThis study employs hybrid approach including Best-Worst Method (BWM) and Graph Theoretic Approach (GTA). Data were collected from industry experts employed in the agri-food sector and analyzed by means of standard operating procedures.FindingsGTA results show that Technological barriers have the highest barrier intensity. Moreover, BWM results show that “Increased operational complexity” is the topmost barrier to adopting blockchain in ASCM. “Lack of interoperability” ranks second among the identified barriers.Research limitations/implicationsThe results benefit the managers, practitioners and researchers to understand the anticipated barriers so that necessary strategies can be developed, and organizations can become more resilient, agile, transparent and traceable.Originality/valueThe presented work is the first to develop a mathematical model and assess the industry’s eagerness to adopt blockchain in ASCM. The proposed framework will greatly benefit the stakeholders working in agri-food sector.