What the study found
Blockchain-enabled supply chain financing solutions were associated with specific financing frictions, but not evenly across all friction types. The study found that transactional friction was the most prominent, while bankruptcy costs and taxes were rarely linked to blockchain features in the sample.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that understanding how blockchain features match specific financing frictions may help explain how blockchain adds value in supply chain finance. They also suggest that aligning blockchain features with particular frictions may improve the chances of success.
What the researchers tested
The researchers used a theory elaboration approach and analyzed 312 documents describing 11 blockchain-enabled supply chain financing solutions, including both successful and failed cases. Using AI-based large language models, they identified patterns linking seven types of financing frictions with three blockchain features.
What worked and what didn't
Transactional friction and hidden actions friction were linked to all three blockchain features. Other frictions were usually associated with only one feature. Tokenization was used sparingly and appeared only in successful blockchain-enabled supply chain financing solutions in the sample.
What to keep in mind
The abstract does not describe detailed limitations beyond the sample and document set studied. The findings are based on 11 solutions and 312 documents, so the results are limited to that material and the specific frictions and features identified there.
Key points
- The study examined 11 blockchain-enabled supply chain financing solutions using 312 documents.
- Transactional friction was the most prominent friction in the sample.
- Bankruptcy costs and taxes were rarely associated with blockchain features.
- Tokenization appeared only in successful solutions and was used sparingly.
- Transactional and hidden actions frictions were linked to all three blockchain features.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Blockchain features align unevenly with supply chain financing frictions
- Publication date:
- 2026-01-29
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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