| dc.description.abstract | There are increasing disadvantages and challenges for traditional supply chains as the supply
chains are getting more extended and complex, mainly due to the rapid changes in the market
environment. We have various risks such as an increasing amount of corruption, lack of quality
control and difficulties of tracing impacts of disruptions along the supply chain. One of the
promising new disruptive technologies to solve these issues is blockchain technology. It is
possible now to have supply chains with single versions of truth displayed in real-time that can
contain information about quality, quantity, location, condition and custody of assets. However,
behind all the promising solutions and opportunities that blockchain technology can bring, there
are also challenges. Therefore, this study aims to investigate where current academic research
mainly lacks mentions and analysation, which is about the motives and challenges for the
implementation of blockchain solutions in supply chains, with an extensive focus on
interoperability, standards, token-based solutions and traceability and visibility features.
The study is conducted in terms of a qualitative and exploratory method, with an abductive
approach following a multiple case study design. Four representatives from the academic,
advisory and consulting context contribute with clarities and explanation regarding the
industrial view, together with three representatives from token-based solutions. The teams
behind the token-based solutions represented in this study are Vechain, Ambrosus and
Morpheus Network. The research concluded that companies are implementing more blockchain
solutions and that blockchain might create the most significant changes in the supply chain
industry for a long time. The technology is maturing and seen as necessary. Common motives
for implementation are the enhancement of transparency and trust. Actors should have a clear
issue before implementation where blockchain solutions can create value or save money.
Blockchain will not solve everything, and the lack of knowledge is a big hurdle. Clarity issues
in terms of regulations and negative associations to cryptocurrencies is another hurdle. Another
challenge is the interoperability issues where incumbent technologies need to bridge to
blockchain solutions. The key for success is interoperability, and it needs to be agnostic on a
supply chain level. Tokenisation seems to increase and play a significant role in the future | sv |
