| dc.description.abstract | Blockchain technology has emerged as a transformative solution for decentralized supply
chain management, addressing the growing need for transparency, accountability, and
ethical practices. This systematic literature review examines studies from 2004 to 2024
to explore blockchain’s role in promoting sustainable and ethical sourcing across various
industries. The findings underscore blockchain’s ability to leverage decentralized and
immutable ledger systems to reduce fraud, prevent data manipulation, and address
information asymmetry, thereby fostering trust and compliance among supply chain
stakeholders. The research highlights blockchain’s effectiveness in real-time tracking
and product traceability, which supports adherence to sustainability goals and ethical
labor standards. However, the study also identifies significant challenges to blockchain
adoption, including regulatory hurdles, integration with existing systems, and scalability
limitations, especially in processing large transaction volumes. Furthermore, the paper
explores blockchain’s potential to bridge transparency gaps, enhance data security,
and ensure compliance through advanced protocols, particularly in sectors such as
fashion, food, and diamonds. The findings emphasize the need for further research,
particularly through industry-specific case studies, to better understand the unique
risks and opportunities blockchain presents. Such investigations could provide deeper
insights into its broader impact on sustainable supply chain practices and its role in
fostering ethical sourcing across diverse industries. | en_US |
