Exploring the potential of the Blockchain for supply chain management: an analysis of the agri-food sector

Abstract

Blockchain technology represents one of the most revolutionary digital innovations of our time, which promises to have an extraordinary impact in various sectors. This Master's thesis aims to explore the application of Blockchain in supply chain management (SCM), focusing on the agri-food industry. Supply chains today are becoming increasingly complex, making it difficult to ensure transparency and traceability. In response to this challenge, innovative approaches have emerged that exploit the inherent characteristics of Blockchain, such as immutability and decentralization, to achieve authenticity and verifiability of information within the supply chain. In particular, the agri-food sector emerges, where the need for traceability, safety, quality, and origin of goods is paramount. This study, preceded by a thorough review of existing literature, aims to initially examine the main features of Blockchain technology, the various existing types, its operational mechanism, and its potential for SCM. Furthermore, it explores the limitations and challenges of integrating Blockchain into SCM and the main application areas where it can be successfully implemented. The thesis focuses on three case studies developed through interviews with Italian companies in the agri-food sector that have adopted blockchain technology. These analyses provide concrete insights into the technology used in this sector, the motivations for companies to use it, the benefits obtained, and the challenges encountered. Furthermore, a perspective on the future of blockchain implementation in the agri-food sector is offered, considering market trends.