Barriers to Adopting Blockchain Technology for Combating Supply Chain Counterfeits

Abstract

E-commerce has expanded tremendously globally. It brings numerous benefits to customers, organizations, and governments but raises many issues, especially counterfeit threats. Counterfeiting has a wide range of effects on shoppers, companies, and supply chain stakeholders, such as economic losses and human health risks. Blockchain (BC) technology has the potential for anti-counterfeiting solutions. However, it is still in its early phases, with slow and restricted acceptance, particularly in anti-counterfeiting. This study conducts a systematic literature review on the use of BC against counterfeiting. This analysis compiled relevant research from reputable databases, including ScienceDirect, Springer, Taylor & Francis, Emerald, Wiley, and MDPI. The findings highlighted the primary barriers that businesses encounter when implementing BC-based anti-counterfeiting solutions. They encompass technological, organizational, and environmental barriers. As a result, this study provides practical recommendations to foster BC adoption to combat counterfeit goods in e-commerce and supply chains, including government regulations and assistance, investigations into BC-based anti-counterfeiting systems, improving customer awareness, and encouraging trust among stakeholders.