Challenges of blockchain implementation in SMEs’ supply chains: an integrated IT2F-BWM and IT2F-DEMATEL method

Abstract

Blockchain technology is one of the prominent advancements of Industry 4.0 (I4.0), although the technology is difficult to be implemented, particularly in relatively small organizations. This study investigates the challenges of blockchain implementation in the supply chain management of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Therefore, this study investigates whether the first-generation blockchain can satisfy the increasing demands of organizations and companies. To overcome environmental uncertainty, the IT2F-BWM is used to evaluate the weight of the challenges and the IT2F-DEMATEL is used to check the internal relationships of the indices. The research results showed the relative importance of some obstacles such as “scalability”, “a shortage of human resources and implementation expertise/knowledge” and “financial and budgetary obstacles.” Meanwhile, “technical and infrastructural obstacles” imposed the highest degree of influence, and challenges caused by “a shortage of human resources and implementation expertise/knowledge” were identified as the most effective criteria. The novelty of the present study can be the examination of blockchain challenges in SMEs’ supply chain the use of a new method to combine fuzzy techniques. this study not only mentions the challenges but also accurately rank the challenges to the implementation of this emerging technology in SMEs When the main priorities are identified through more accurate techniques, organization managers will be able to design and implement a more accurate strategy to improve the efficiency of blockchain technology.