Mapping the Landscape of Blockchain for Transparent and Sustainable Supply Chains: A Bibliometric and Thematic Analysis

Abstract

Background: The increasing complexity of global supply chains has intensified the demand for transparency, traceability, security, and sustainability in logistics and operations. Blockchain technology enables decentralized, immutable frameworks that improve data integrity, automate transactions via smart contracts, and integrate seamlessly with the IoT and AI. Methods: This bibliometric review analyzes 559 peer-reviewed publications retrieved from Scopus and Web of Science using a PRISMA-guided protocol. Data were processed with Bibliometrix and Biblioshiny to examine scientific production, contributing institutions, author countries, collaboration patterns, thematic clusters, and keyword evolution. Results: The analysis reveals a 400% increase in publications after 2020, with China, India, and the USA leading in output but with limited international collaboration. Keyword co-occurrence and thematic mapping reveal dominant topics, including smart contracts, food supply chain traceability, and sustainability, as well as emerging themes such as decentralization, privacy, and the circular economy. Conclusions: The field is marked by interdisciplinary growth, yet it remains thematically and geographically fragmented. This review maps the intellectual structure of blockchain-enabled sustainable supply chains, offering insights for policymakers, developers, and industry leaders and outlining future research avenues centered on global cooperation, platform efficiency, and ethical and regulatory dimensions.

1. Introduction

Globalization and the increasing complexity of supply chains have amplified the need for transparency, traceability, security, and sustainability in logistics and operations [1,2,3,4,5,6,7]. Traditional systems often face inefficiencies, fraud, and limited interoperability, contributing to significant economic losses and environmental concerns [8,9,10]. Challenges such as counterfeit goods, logistical delays, and poor waste management underscore the urgency of adopting secure and transparent solutions in supply chain management [11,12,13,14,15]. These operational issues have spurred growing academic interest in technological innovations to improve supply chain performance.

Blockchain technology has emerged as a transformative solution to these challenges. As a decentralized and immutable digital ledger, it ensures data integrity, security, and transparency, enabling real-time tracking, provenance verification, and fraud prevention [13,16,17,18]. In addition, smart contracts automate payments, inventory management, and compliance, thereby reducing inefficiencies. When integrated with the IoT and AI, blockchain further improves automation, predictive analytics, and sustainability [19,20,21,22,23]. Despite numerous studies examining the integration of blockchain into supply chains, a lack of consolidated perspectives remains regarding the evolution of core concepts, including transparency, traceability, and sustainability.

With a growing emphasis on environmental responsibility, blockchain has shown promise in enabling eco-friendly supply chain practices, improving resource tracking, waste reduction, and monitoring of carbon footprint, thus aligning with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards [11,20,24,25,26,27,28,29]. However, despite this momentum, current research remains fragmented and lacks a comprehensive overview of the development of the field. Furthermore, although several systematic and bibliometric reviews have addressed the relationship between blockchain and sustainability in recent years, many of these studies present methodological or conceptual limitations that the present review seeks to address. For example, [30,31] provide valuable thematic mappings of blockchain applications in supply chains; however, they omit essential methodological components such as adherence to PRISMA guidelines, the use of multiple bibliographic databases, and the analysis of collaboration networks. Similarly, [32,33] explore the intersection of blockchain and sustainable development but lack both sectoral specificity and theoretical grounding, often treating sustainability in diffuse or marginal terms. Other studies, such as [34,35], adopt narrative or qualitative approaches that, while thematically insightful, do not incorporate systematic or visual bibliographic analyses. Even in studies where systematic methods are employed, such as [36], important dimensions such as sectoral granularity, co-occurrence mapping, and theory-informed interpretation remain largely underdeveloped.

In contrast, the present study conducts a rigorous bibliometric review guided by the PRISMA 2020 framework and based on data extracted from Scopus and Web of Science [37,38,39,40,41]. Using advanced analytical tools such as Bibliometrix and Biblioshiny [42], it explores keyword co-occurrence, thematic evolution, citation networks, and collaboration structures within the scientific literature. This integrative, theory-informed approach offers a comprehensive understanding of how blockchain technologies enhance traceability, transparency, and sustainability in supply chains. In doing so, the review addresses critical gaps identified in prior studies, particularly the limited focus on governance mechanisms, the integration of circular economy principles, and digital trust.

Accordingly, this study is guided by the following research question: What are the main patterns, leading actors, and thematic trajectories in the scientific literature on blockchain applications for sustainable and transparent supply chains? In order to answer this question, a systematic bibliometric analysis was conducted, aiming to deliver a solid, data-driven foundation for researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders seeking to harness blockchain in the transformation toward more sustainable and resilient supply chains.

2. Methodology

In order to accomplish the objectives of this bibliometric review, a systematic and structured methodology was implemented, following the PRISMA 2020 (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines [41]. The process encompassed four phases: identification, screening, eligibility assessment, and final inclusion of pertinent studies, as illustrated in Figure 1. No protocol for this bibliometric review was registered.

2.1. Sources and Search Strategy

The literature search was conducted using two leading academic databases: Scopus and Web of Science. These databases were selected for their wide coverage of peer-reviewed journals, conference proceedings, and book chapters, ensuring a comprehensive retrieval of high-quality publications relevant to blockchain applications in supply chains and sustainability. To identify the most thematically relevant studies, a targeted Boolean search equation was applied to the titles of publications: TITLE (“blockchain technology” OR blockchain) AND TITLE (“supply chain” OR “supply chains” OR “supply chain management” OR “Logistics Network” OR “Value Chain” OR “Supply System” OR “Logistics Chain”) AND TITLE (sustainab* OR “environmental impact” OR “green supply chain” OR “eco-friendly” OR “transparency” OR “traceability”).

This strategy was restricted to the title field to ensure high thematic precision; however, this approach may have excluded relevant studies in which key concepts are addressed in the abstract or body but not explicitly stated in the title.

With the purpose of ensuring comprehensiveness, the literature search was conducted using both Scopus and Web of Science, which are widely recognized as the most robust and comprehensive databases for peer-reviewed academic publications. Duplicate records were manually removed, and keyword consistency was systematically verified to enhance the reliability of the dataset. Although other sources, such as Dimensions or Google Scholar, were not included, the combined use of Scopus and Web of Science provides a methodologically solid foundation for conducting high-quality bibliometric analysis.

2.2. Data Collection and Screening Process

A total of 921 records were initially identified: 625 records were retrieved from Scopus, and 296 from Web of Science.

Although initially developed for systematic reviews in health sciences, the PRISMA framework has been increasingly applied in bibliometric research to ensure transparency, traceability, and replicability in the literature screening process. The PRISMA-based screening process was as follows:

• Identification: Duplicate records were removed (n = 276), resulting in 645 unique records.
• Articles published before 2016 or after 2024 were excluded (n = 28), and non-English publications were excluded (n = 22), specifically those in Chinese (n = 17), Spanish (n = 3), Turkish (n = 1), and Portuguese (n = 1)—leaving 595 studies.
• Eligibility: Of the remaining 595 records, further exclusions were made:

  –

  Review articles (n = 15) were excluded to focus the analysis on original research contributions.

  –

  Retracted publications and errata (n = 4) and early-access articles without finalized metadata (n = 17) were also excluded.

With the purpose of ensuring thematic alignment beyond keyword presence, the titles and abstracts were reviewed manually for relevance to the intersection of blockchain, sustainability, and supply chain management.

It is important to note that only peer-reviewed articles written in English were considered for inclusion. This restriction ensured consistency in the interpretation of metadata, keyword standardization, and thematic coding during the bibliometric analysis. While this criterion aligns with standard practices in bibliometric reviews, it may introduce geographical or cultural bias by excluding valuable contributions from non-English-speaking regions. This limitation is acknowledged and discussed further in Section 4.5.

2.3. Final Dataset and Analysis Tools

The final dataset included 559 studies, distributed as follows:

• Journal articles: 289;
• Conference papers: 207;
• Book chapters: 63.

The bibliometric analysis was conducted using the Bibliometrix R package version 4.3.3 and its web-based interface, Biblioshiny [42]. This combination enabled the extraction and visualization of key indicators, including annual publication trends, citation patterns, co-authorship, and institutional collaboration networks, as well as keyword co-occurrence and thematic evolution. This methodological approach ensures transparency, replicability, and a solid foundation for identifying emerging themes and research dynamics in sustainable supply chains enabled by blockchain technology.

3. Results

3.1. Description of Scientific Production

The bibliometric analysis identified 559 studies, comprising 289 journal articles, 207 conference papers, and 63 book chapters, demonstrating significant academic interest in blockchain technology for sustainable supply chains across diverse publication types. The temporal evolution of research output, as illustrated in Figure 2, revealed a steady increase in publications from 2016 to 2024. Initially, research production was limited (2016–2018) but experienced consistent growth starting in 2019. The highest publication volume was recorded in 2024, exceeding 150 studies, while the cumulative number of articles surpassed 500 by the end of the period. This growth trend underscores the increasing recognition of blockchain as a pivotal tool for enhancing transparency and sustainability in supply chains. The surge in publications after 2020 suggests a turning point, likely influenced by technological advancements and the global shift toward sustainable practices. Moreover, the distribution of document types reflects the varied contributions within the field. Journal articles account for 51.7% of the dataset, highlighting a strong foundation of peer-reviewed research. Conference papers represent 37.0%, indicating the field’s dynamic and evolving nature, often discussed at academic conferences. Meanwhile, book chapters, although a smaller fraction (11.3%), provide in-depth theoretical and conceptual analyses.

The sustained growth in scientific output highlights the importance of examining regional and institutional contributions to this expanding field, which is explored in the following section.

3.2. Geographical and Institutional Analysis

The global distribution of scientific production reveals significant regional disparities in blockchain research applied to sustainable and transparent supply chains. As shown in Figure 3, China (303 publications) and India (246 publications) dominate, jointly accounting for about 49.2% of the total output. The latter reflects strong national strategies supporting digital innovation, particularly in logistics, agriculture, and public administration.

Other major contributors include the United States (100), the United Kingdom (84), and Italy (47), reflecting sustained academic engagement in both technological development and the integration of sustainability. Additionally, countries such as Australia (38), Pakistan (36), France (32), Malaysia (32), and Indonesia (30) underscore growing interest beyond the traditional Global North. Several countries present identical levels of productivity, highlighting an interesting parity between different geographic and economic contexts. For instance, Germany and Canada both contributed 22 publications, while Bangladesh, Finland, Jordan, Portugal, and Saudi Arabia each produced 10, indicating the involvement of both developed and emerging economies.

In Latin America, participation remains limited. Colombia leads the region with eight publications, followed by Brazil and Mexico (six each), and Peru with a single contribution. In Africa, research output is similarly concentrated, with Morocco (16) and South Africa (7) as the most active countries. Other nations such as Botswana, Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria, and Uganda contributed fewer than four publications each. Notably, over 60 countries produced between one and nine publications, reflecting a globally dispersed but still peripheral engagement. The aforementioned countries include those from Eastern Europe (e.g., Slovakia, Slovenia), the Middle East (e.g., Oman, Yemen), and sub-Saharan Africa (e.g., Guinea, Ethiopia, Uganda). Although their contributions were modest, their presence signals a broader diffusion of academic interest in blockchain-based supply chain research, even in regions traditionally underrepresented in global scholarship.

At the institutional level, as illustrated in

Table 1. Most relevant affiliations.

Affiliation(s)	Publications
Northeastern University	11
Beijing Technology and Business University
Henan Agricultural University
University of Electronic Science and Technology of China	8
Auburn University, Chulalongkorn University
Guangzhou University
Harbin University of Commerce
Henan University of Technology
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
University of British Columbia	7
Aalborg University, Hunan University
Indian Institute of Management
Institut Pertanian Bogor (IPB University)
Khalifa University
Khalifa University of Science and Technology
Providence University
School of Computer Science and Engineering
University of Nottingham
Yaşar University	6

, Northeastern University (United States) leads with 11 publications, followed by Beijing Technology and Business University, Henan Agricultural University, and the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, each with 8 publications. Other significant contributors include Auburn University (United States), Chulalongkorn University (Thailand), Guangzhou University (China), Harbin University of Commerce (China), Henan University of Technology (China), the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (Hong Kong), and the University of British Columbia (Canada), each with seven publications. While these institutions represent a geographically diverse research landscape, the concentration of leading institutions in China is consistent with the prominent position of the country in blockchain-related supply chain research.

Institutions with six publications—such as Aalborg University (Denmark), Hunan University (China), the Indian Institute of Management (India), IPB University (Indonesia), Khalifa University (United Arab Emirates), Providence University (Taiwan), the School of Computer Science and Engineering (Singapore), the University of Nottingham (United Kingdom), and Yaşar University (Turkey)—further reflect the global distribution of academic engagement. This group highlights the emergence of new research hubs that are developing sustainable supply chains enabled by blockchain technology.

Table 2. Country distribution of corresponding authors.

Country	Publications	Publications (%)	SCPs	SCPs (%)	MCPs	MCPs (%)
China	102	18.2%	72	70.6%	30	29.4%
India	86	15.4%	67	77.9%	19	22.1%
United Kingdom	26	4.7%	14	53.8%	12	46.2%
United States of America	23	4.1%	20	87.0%	3	13.0%
Italy	19	3.4%	18	94.7%	1	5.3%
Malaysia	10	1.8%	6	60.0%	4	40.0%
Australia	9	1.6%	8	88.9%	1	11.1%
Indonesia	9	1.6%	9	100.0%	0	0%
Pakistan	9	1.6%	4	44.4%	5	55.6%
France	8	1.4%	4	50.0%	4	50.0%
Canada	6	1.1%	4	66.7%	2	33.3%
Germany	5	0.9%	3	60.0%	2	40.0%
Netherlands	5	0.9%	4	80.0%	1	20.0%
Spain	5	0.9%	3	60.0%	2	40.0%
Colombia	4	0.7%	4	100.0%	0	0%
Greece	4	0.7%	4	100.0%	0	0%
Portugal	4	0.7%	4	100.0%	0	0%
South Africa	4	0.7%	2	50.0%	2	50.0%
Turkey	4	0.7%	3	75.0%	1	25.0%
United Arab Emirates	4	0.7%	2	50.0%	2	50.0%

provides a detailed overview of the corresponding author countries involved in blockchain-related supply chain research. This metric identifies the origin of academic leadership in each publication, highlighting institutional authority and national engagement in advancing scholarly efforts. China (18.2%) and India (15.4%) dominate publication volume among the leading countries. However, both exhibit a strong predominance of single-country publications (SCPs)—70.6% and 77.9%, respectively—indicating that most research leadership is domestically concentrated. The latter reflects robust national research systems but limited integration into international academic networks. In contrast, the United Kingdom demonstrates a more balanced profile, with 53.8% SCPs and 46.2% multiple-country publications (MCPs), indicating strong involvement in global academic collaborations. Similarly, France (50.0% SCPs, 50.0% MCPs) and Pakistan (44.4% SCPs, 55.6% MCPs) illustrate cases where corresponding authors actively engage in national and international research contexts, despite a lower overall output. Some countries display a clear inclination toward domestic research leadership. Despite having well-developed research infrastructures, Italy (94.7% SCPs) and Australia (88.9% SCPs) report limited MCPs, suggesting a more nationally focused research strategy. Likewise, Colombia, Greece, and Portugal each report 100% SCPs, highlighting a lack of international collaboration among their corresponding authors. Meanwhile, emerging research hubs such as South Africa and the United Arab Emirates present an encouraging pattern: both record 50.0% MCPs, even though they each contribute only 0.7% of total publications. This trend indicates a growing effort to integrate into international research dialogues. Notably, while accounting for 4.1% of publications, the United States shows a high SCP ratio (87.0%), implying that even global leaders in research output may pursue predominantly domestic approaches. In comparison, Canada (33.3% MCPs), Germany (40.0% MCPs), and the Netherlands (20.0% MCPs) contribute modestly in volume yet reflect varying degrees of international engagement. This analysis reveals three general patterns:

• High-output, low-collaboration countries (e.g., China, India, the USA).
• Countries with balanced international collaboration (e.g., the UK, France, Pakistan).
• Emerging or regionally focused contributors with high SCP rates (e.g., Portugal, Colombia) or promising MCP shares (e.g., UAE, South Africa).

This institutional analysis underscores the importance of fostering global collaboration and integrating a broader range of countries into blockchain research for sustainable supply chains. The observed patterns highlight strategic opportunities for capacity building and policy development, particularly in countries with strong domestic leadership but limited international cooperation. Enhancing global networking and participation in cross-border research consortia could increase the impact and inclusiveness of scholarly work in this field. The following section explores the influence of key authors and co-authorship networks in shaping these collaborative dynamics.

The predominance of China and India in scientific output can be partly attributed to their national strategies, which actively promote digital innovation and the integration of blockchain technologies, particularly in sectors such as logistics, agriculture, and public administration. However, despite their high publication volume, both countries demonstrate a notable prevalence of SCPs, suggesting limited participation in cross-border research collaborations. This pattern may be shaped by various structural and contextual factors, including language barriers, policy-driven research priorities, and a tendency to favor publication in domestically affiliated journals that are nonetheless indexed in international databases. Understanding these underlying drivers is essential for contextualizing the observed global asymmetries in blockchain research. Moreover, it underscores the importance of fostering more inclusive and collaborative international research networks that can bridge geographic, linguistic, and institutional divides.

3.3. Authors and Collaboration Networks

Table 3. Most relevant authors.

Author	Articles	Articles Fractionalized
Li Y.	10	2.25
Sarkis J.	9	2.78
Kumar A.	7	1.30
Singh S.	7	2.38
Gupta S.	6	1.07
Khan M.	6	2.58
Liu P.	6	3.12
Wang Z.	6	1.58
Ali M.	5	1.20
Casino F.	5	1.18
Dasaklis T.	5	1.18
Jayaraman R.	5	0.96
Nordin N.	5	1.09
Salah K.	5	0.96
Sunmola F.	5	2.67

presents the most relevant authors regarding publication productivity and fractionalized contribution within the domain of blockchain applications in sustainable supply chains. Li Y. leads with 10 articles; however, a fractionalized score of 2.25 suggests that most of these publications were produced in highly collaborative environments, where individual contribution is distributed among several co-authors. Similarly, Sarkis J., with nine articles and a fractionalized count of 2.78, reflects strong research engagement, yet also within multi-authored studies.

In contrast, Liu P. stands out for having both a moderate number of articles (six) and the highest fractionalized value (3.12), indicating a more central authorship role and potentially more significant individual influence in the field. Sunmola F. (five articles, 2.67 fractionalized) and Khan M. (six articles, 2.58 fractionalized) follow similar patterns, combining relatively fewer papers with significant fractional authorship, which may denote primary or lead author positions in smaller research teams.

Authors such as Singh S. (seven articles, 2.38 fractionalized) and Gupta S. (six articles, 1.07 fractionalized) demonstrate contrasting contributions: the former suggests active involvement across a moderate number of studies with a notable share of authorship, whereas the latter may have played a more peripheral role despite similar output volume.

Overall, Table 3 highlights the importance of using both absolute and fractionalized publication counts when assessing academic productivity. While article count captures publication frequency, the fractionalized metric offers insight into the depth of individual involvement, which is particularly valuable in fields characterized by collaborative research practices.

In terms of collaboration networks, Figure 4 reveals distinct research clusters. Sarkis J. maintains an extensive network by collaborating with multiple authors in diverse research initiatives. Similarly, Kumar A. and Singh S. form a well-connected cluster focused on sustainability and blockchain applications. Additionally, Casino F. and Dasaklis T. exhibit strong co-authorship ties, particularly in blockchain-based risk management strategies for supply chains. Conversely, a more fragmented collaboration pattern is observed for Li Y., who, despite leading in publication count, operates within a smaller, more specialized network. Authors such as Salah K. and Jayaraman R. demonstrate strong dyadic partnerships, emphasizing focused contributions to specific blockchain applications. The bibliometric network also highlights authors working within isolated clusters, such as Ali M. and Sunmola F., whose contributions appear independent rather than integrated into broader research collaborations. Similarly, Gupta S. and Wang Z. maintain limited but well-defined connections, suggesting more specialized research efforts rather than widespread international engagement.

Additionally, Khan M. and Khan S. demonstrate a closely linked research effort, forming a smaller yet concentrated collaboration. Their partnership, along with contributions from Liu P. and Liu Y., reflects domain-specific studies that may not yet be fully integrated into larger research networks.

A notable aspect of the network structure is the presence of smaller, specialized research groups, such as the one formed by Sunmola F. and Burgess P., which operates independently of major co-authorship clusters. This separation may indicate a focus on niche research topics or a lack of broader interdisciplinary collaboration. Authors with higher publication counts, such as Li Y. and Sarkis J., tend to lead or be embedded in larger research clusters, reinforcing their role in shaping the field. In contrast, mid-tier contributors like Kumar S. and Liu J. remain within collaborative networks but often work in smaller teams or as co-authors in larger projects.

The varied collaboration structures reveal both well-integrated networks and isolated contributors. While leading authors establish broad collaborations, smaller independent clusters suggest opportunities for greater international cooperation. This diversity in research networks points to the emergence of distinct thematic areas, which can be further explored by analyzing keywords and research topics.

3.4. Analysis of Keywords and Emerging Topics

The analysis of Author Keywords and Keyword Plus provides insights into the dominant research themes and emerging trends in blockchain applications for supply chains. Figure 5 and Figure 6 illustrate the most frequently occurring keywords, highlighting key areas of academic interest.

Before analyzing the most frequent keywords, it is important to note that specific terms were removed from consideration due to their lack of analytical value. These include words that were part of the original search equation (e.g., “blockchain”, “supply chain”, “traceability”, “sustainability”, “supply chain management”, “transparency”), as well as generic terms that do not contribute to thematic differentiation (e.g., “management”, “technology”, “challenges”, “framework”, “impact”, “performance”, “model”, “system”, “sustainable supply chains”, “systems”, “design”, “supply chains”). Removing these terms ensures that the analysis focuses on specific research directions rather than redundantly reaffirming the search strategy.

Among the Author Keywords shown in Figure 5, the predominance of “smart contract” (47 occurrences) and “smart contracts” (39 occurrences) underscores a central thematic focus on automation and transaction validation within blockchain-enabled supply chains. This trend aligns with the broader movement toward digitalization and decentralized governance models in supply chain management. Additionally, the frequent appearance of terms such as “IoT” (26 occurrences), “Internet of Things” (15), and “Ethereum” (21) reflects a significant intersection between blockchain and emerging digital technologies. These keywords suggest a strong emphasis on real-time data acquisition, connectivity, and traceability—capabilities that are foundational for enhancing operational visibility and responsiveness. Moreover, the presence of domain-specific terms such as “food supply chain” (23), “food safety” (12), and “agricultural supply chain” (7) underscores the growing relevance of blockchain in the agri-food sector. In this context, the technology is being leveraged to enhance transparency, ensure product provenance, and reinforce quality assurance mechanisms.

The appearance of “Hyperledger Fabric” (15) indicates sustained interest in permissioned blockchain frameworks, particularly those designed for enterprise-level implementations that require enhanced security, scalability, and access control. Sustainability-related keywords—including “sustainable supply chain” (19), “green supply chain” (13), “circular economy” (8), and “sustainable development” (6)—point to a growing, albeit fragmented, integration of environmental concerns within blockchain discourse. The latter suggests that while the alignment between blockchain and sustainability is gaining traction, it remains an emergent area of exploration. In parallel, governance- and compliance-oriented terms such as “trust” (9), “security” (11), and “supply chain transparency” (10) underscore the perceived role of blockchain in enhancing accountability and integrity across supply networks.

Furthermore, the presence of keywords such as “traceability system” (12), “pharmaceutical supply chain” (8), and “resilience” (7) indicates an increasing interest in applying blockchain to high-risk or tightly regulated sectors, where traceability and system robustness are crucial. Finally, the emergence of “machine learning” (7) and “artificial intelligence” (7) as Author Keywords reflects a nascent interdisciplinary convergence. These terms suggest potential synergies between blockchain and data-driven technologies, particularly in applications such as predictive analytics, quality control, and risk management within complex supply chain ecosystems.

The Keyword Plus analysis, as shown in Figure 6, reinforces and broadens the thematic structure identified through the Author Keywords. Notably, the recurrence of “food supply” (45 occurrences) and “smart contract” (40) confirms the central importance of traceability, automation, and food system integrity in blockchain-based supply chains. Closely associated terms such as “traceability systems” (38), “distributed ledger” (33), and “operations” (32) further emphasize blockchain’s dual role as both a mechanism for ensuring data integrity and a tool for optimizing supply chain operations.

Additionally, the presence of sustainability-related terms—such as “sustainable development” (27), “agriculture” (25), “food safety” (14), and “life cycle” (12)—reflects a growing, albeit still nascent, incorporation of environmental and social goals within blockchain supply chain applications. These concepts align with the ESG-oriented themes discussed in the previous section and suggest the potential for deeper integration through operational frameworks, such as Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA). Moreover, the recurrence of keywords like “Internet of Things” (25), “Ethereum” (14), “digital storage” (17), and “information management” (21) highlights the technological ecosystem underpinning blockchain. These terms underscore the relevance of interoperability, decentralized data architectures, and the convergence of blockchain with Industry 4.0 technologies.

Emerging concerns are also evident, as indicated by terms such as “crime” (17), “authentication” (9), “trust” (10), and “barriers” (13), which reflect a growing awareness of challenges related to cybersecurity, regulatory compliance, and user adoption. Furthermore, the inclusion of keywords such as “pharmaceutical supply chains” (13) and “coordination” (9) suggests an expanding interest in applying blockchain to high-stakes sectors that demand rigorous transparency, coordination, and governance.

Taken together, the Keyword Plus terms not only complement the Author Keywords but also reveal broader thematic linkages and co-citation patterns within the literature. Hence, while blockchain’s potential for enhancing traceability and automation is well recognized, its systematic integration with sustainability principles and risk governance mechanisms remains a promising avenue for future empirical research.

The keyword co-occurrence network, as shown in Figure 7, illustrates the interconnections among the most frequently used terms in the literature, revealing six distinct research clusters. Each cluster, represented by a unique color, corresponds to a specific thematic focus within the domain of blockchain-enabled supply chain research. The clustering of keywords in the co-occurrence network was performed using the Walktrap algorithm in Biblioshiny. This method detects communities based on short random walks and groups of highly interconnected terms. Such clustering enables the identification of thematically cohesive groups within the literature, facilitating the interpretation of emerging and consolidated research areas.

The violet cluster represents the technological foundation of the field. It encompasses keywords such as “smart contracts”, “Ethereum”, “IoT”, “Industry 4.0”, “agricultural supply chain”, “supply chain transparency”, “decentralization”, “machine learning”, “distributed ledger”, and “trust”. Collectively, these terms highlight the integration of blockchain with digital transformation tools to enhance automation, traceability, and transparency, particularly in agriculture and other data-intensive sectors.

The green cluster centers on food supply chain safety and traceability. It includes terms such as “food supply chain”, “food safety”, “Hyperledger Fabric”, “traceability system”, and “COVID-19”. This grouping highlights the role of blockchain in enabling end-to-end traceability, enhancing food safety protocols, and mitigating disruption risks, especially in agri-food systems affected by global health crises.

The red cluster emphasizes the intersection of logistics, sustainability, and digital innovation. It incorporates keywords like “Internet of Things”, “logistics”, “food traceability”, “privacy”, “circular economy”, “sustainable development”, and “artificial intelligence”. This cluster reflects an interdisciplinary approach that leverages blockchain and emerging technologies to foster environmentally responsible and efficient supply chains.

The blue cluster highlights concerns related to security and authenticity in highly regulated industries. It comprises terms such as “security”, “counterfeiting”, “pharmaceutical supply chain”, and “healthcare”, highlighting the need for tamper-resistant systems and enhanced traceability mechanisms to combat fraud and ensure regulatory compliance in sensitive sectors.

The orange cluster, while small, comprises “blockchains” and “stakeholders”. Although the term “blockchains” may appear redundant in the context of this study, its co-occurrence with “stakeholders” suggests a thematic niche concerned with governance and actor coordination. Rather than referring to blockchain technology per se, this pairing may reflect academic discourse on the institutional implications, stakeholder roles, and challenges of implementing decentralized governance structures.

Lastly, the brown cluster pertains to implementation infrastructure. It features keywords such as “supply chain traceability” and “Hyperledger”, indicating applied research efforts aimed at deploying permissioned blockchain systems to enhance compliance monitoring, auditing capabilities, and operational transparency within supply chains.

The thematic map shown in Figure 8 categorizes research topics based on their centrality (degree of connection with other areas) and density (level of internal development within the field). This classification identifies four main categories:

• Motor Themes (High Centrality, High Density): These topics are well-developed and highly interconnected within the field, playing a central role in the current research landscape. Key themes include “smart contract”, “smart contracts”, “IoT”, “Ethereum”, “Hyperledger Fabric”, and “traceability system”. Their high centrality indicates their significance in the literature, while their high density suggests extensive exploration and well-defined conceptual structures.
• Niche Themes (Low Centrality, High Density): These areas represent highly specialized research topics with strong internal development but limited connection to broader discussions. Examples include “game theory” and “pricing”. Despite their high density, their low centrality implies a relatively minor impact on the general discourse surrounding blockchain in supply chains.
• Basic Themes (High Centrality, Low Density): Fundamental to the field, these topics exhibit strong connections with other research areas but remain underdeveloped. Notable examples include “food supply chain”, “supply chain traceability”, “food safety”, “agricultural supply chain”, and “food traceability”. Their high centrality highlights their foundational role, yet their low density indicates the need for further exploration and consolidation in the literature.
• Emerging or Declining Themes (Low Centrality, Low Density): This category encompasses research areas that are either emerging or declining. A key example is “green supply chain”. Its low centrality suggests it has not yet established strong connections with other core themes, although its relevance may increase as sustainability gains prominence in blockchain research.

The distribution of topics in the thematic map underscores that smart contracts, supply chain traceability, and IoT integration are currently the most relevant and well-developed areas in the field. Meanwhile, circular economy and decentralization topics remain important but are less integrated into the central body of research.

The findings from the keyword analysis and thematic mapping reveal the dominant research trajectories in the field, with automation, transparency, and security emerging as central themes. The increasing presence of sustainability-related concepts, such as the green supply chain and circular economy, indicates a growing emphasis on environmental considerations in blockchain applications. Additionally, the prominence of smart contracts, IoT, Ethereum, and food supply chain traceability as motor themes highlights their pivotal role in shaping future research directions. Given these evolving trends, it is essential to evaluate the impact and relevance of the scientific sources contributing to this field. The following section examines the most influential journals, conference proceedings, and book chapters to assess their role in shaping academic discourse on blockchain-driven supply chain innovations.

3.5. Impact and Relevance of Scientific Sources

The impact and relevance of scientific sources in the study of blockchain for sustainable supply chains were assessed by analyzing the most influential journals, conference proceedings, and books in the literature.

Table 4. Most relevant sources.

Source(s)	Publications
Sustainability (Q1)	28
Computers & Industrial Engineering (Q1)	15
Lecture Notes in Computer Science (Q2)	9
International Journal of Production Research (Q1), Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems (Q4), Procedia Computer Science	8
Annals of Operations Research (Q1), Operations Management Research (Q1), Technological Forecasting and Social Change (Q1)	7
Achieving Secure and Transparent Supply Chains with Blockchain Technology (Book), ACM International Conference Proceeding Series, Business Strategy and the Environment (Q1), Foods (Q1), IEEE Access (Q1)	6
Cluster Computing (Q1), Communications in Computer and Information Science (Q4), IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, Lecture Notes on Data Engineering and Communications Technologies (Q3)	5

presents the most relevant sources, ranked by the number of published documents.

The most prolific journal is Sustainability (Q1) with 28 publications, highlighting the strong link between blockchain technology and sustainability in supply chain management. This dominance suggests a significant research focus on the environmental impact of blockchain and its role in process optimization through decentralized technologies. Following closely, Computers & Industrial Engineering (Q1) ranks second with 15 publications, emphasizing the intersection of industrial engineering and computing in blockchain applications for supply chains. Its focus on modeling, optimization, and efficiency reinforces the view that blockchain serves as a traceability tool and a mechanism for enhancing operational performance within supply chains.

Additional high-impact sources include Lecture Notes in Computer Science (Q2), with nine publications, and a group of prestigious journals such as the International Journal of Production Research (Q1), Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems (Q4), and Procedia Computer Science, collectively contributing eight publications. These sources indicate strong scientific backing from the production and computational networks research communities, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of blockchain studies.

Journals such as Annals of Operations Research (Q1), Operations Management Research (Q1), and Technological Forecasting and Social Change (Q1), each with seven publications, emphasize the role of blockchain in operations optimization and strategic planning. This underscores the broader relevance of blockchain beyond its technical applications, extending into areas such as supply chain management and sustainability planning.

Influential books and conferences further contribute to the field, including Achieving Secure and Transparent Supply Chains with Blockchain Technology, ACM International Conference Proceeding Series, Business Strategy and the Environment (Q1), Foods (Q1), and IEEE Access (Q1), each with six publications. The presence of books and conferences highlights the dynamic and evolving nature of blockchain research, with findings disseminated through diverse academic platforms. Additionally, sources such as Cluster Computing (Q1), Communications in Computer and Information Science (Q4), IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, and Lecture Notes on Data Engineering and Communications Technologies (Q3), each with five publications, reflect applied studies in distributed computing, data communication, and environmental analysis.

The diversity of sources in blockchain research for supply chains underscores its multidisciplinary nature, spanning sustainability, industrial engineering, operations research, and data science. The strong presence of Q1 journals, specialized conference proceedings, and books reinforces the academic significance of this field, highlighting both its technological and managerial dimensions.

Table 5. Most cited documents.

Documents	Source	Citations	Ref.
Saberi S. et al. (2019). Blockchain technology and its relationships to sustainable supply chain management	International Journal of Production Research	1729	[43]
Tian F. (2016). An agri-food supply chain traceability system for China based on RFID and blockchain technology	International Conference on Service Systems and Service Management (ICSSSM)	1091	[44]
Tian F. (2017). A supply chain traceability system for food safety based on HACCP, blockchain, and Internet of Things	International Conference on Service Systems and Service Management (ICSSSM)	669	[45]
Caro M. et al. (2018). Blockchain-based traceability in agri-food supply chain management: a practical implementation	IEEE IoT Vertical and Topical Summit on Agriculture—Tuscany (IoT Tuscany)	646	[46]
Kouhizadeh M. et al. (2021). Blockchain technology and the sustainable supply chain: theoretically exploring adoption barriers	International Journal of Production Economics	627	[11]
Kamble S. et al. (2020). Modeling the blockchain-enabled traceability in the agriculture supply chain	International Journal of Information Management	529	[47]
Hastig G. and Sodhi (2020). Blockchain for supply chain traceability: business requirements and critical success factors	Production and Operations Management	450	[48]
Esmaeilian B. et al. (2020). Blockchain for the future of sustainable supply chain management in Industry 4.0	Resources, Conservation and Recycling	421	[49]
Behnke and Janssen (2020). Boundary conditions for traceability in food supply chains using blockchain technology	International Journal of Information Management	376	[50]
Bai and Sarkis (2020). A supply chain transparency and sustainability technology appraisal model for blockchain technology	International Journal of Production Research	360	[51]
Chod J. et al. (2020). On the financing benefits of supply chain transparency and blockchain adoption	Management Science	345	[52]
Salah K. et al. (2019). Blockchain-based soybean traceability in agricultural supply chain	IEEE Access	331	[53]

presents the most cited articles in the field, emphasizing their impact on the academic community. The most influential study is by Saberi et al. [43], published in the International Journal of Production Research, with 1729 citations, underscoring its substantial contribution to the intersection of blockchain technology and supply chain management. This article offers a comprehensive conceptual framework that links blockchain to sustainability goals through improved traceability, decentralization, and smart contracts. Although the discussion is primarily theoretical, it clearly articulates how blockchain can enhance transparency, reduce fraud, and enable real-time tracking within supply chains. Moreover, the study adopts a triple-bottom-line perspective, addressing the environmental, social, and economic dimensions of sustainability. It also identifies key barriers to adoption, such as regulatory uncertainty and reputational concerns, and advocates for the implementation of permissioned blockchain models in supply chain contexts. Overall, this article provides a solid foundation for subsequent empirical and interdisciplinary research.

Two other high-impact studies are those by Tian F. [44,45], presented at the International Conference on Service Systems and Service Management, with 1091 and 669 citations, respectively. The high citation counts of both works highlight their relevance in advancing blockchain implementation within service management, particularly in agri-food supply chains. The 2016 study introduces a conceptual framework integrating RFID and blockchain technologies to mitigate food safety risks and address information asymmetry in centralized traceability systems. In contrast, the 2017 study builds upon this foundation by incorporating the HACCP methodology and proposing a decentralized system architecture supported by BigchainDB to overcome the scalability limitations of conventional blockchain solutions. Notably, this latter work also formalizes the role of certifying authorities and integrates IoT-enabled data acquisition to ensure product integrity throughout the entire supply chain, from farm to fork. These studies provide a strategic vision and a technical roadmap for developing traceable and trustworthy agri-food supply chains, thereby underscoring Tian’s substantial contribution to the field.

Ranked fourth, the study by Caro M. et al. [46], presented at the IoT Vertical and Topical Summit on Agriculture—Tuscany, has received 646 citations, underscoring the significance of integrating blockchain with the Internet of Things (IoT) in the agricultural sector. This work introduces AgriBlockIoT, a decentralized traceability system that monitors the entire agri-food supply chain—from planting to consumption—by leveraging IoT sensors and smart contracts registered on a blockchain. In contrast to earlier conceptual approaches, this study presents a practical implementation evaluated on both the Ethereum and Hyperledger Sawtooth platforms. While Ethereum offers greater software maturity, Hyperledger outperforms in terms of latency and computational efficiency. Although sustainability is not explicitly addressed, the system contributes indirectly to environmental and operational improvements by enhancing data integrity, reducing waste, and minimizing human intervention. Furthermore, integrating regulatory entities as digital nodes within the network provides a robust response to governance and compliance challenges. The authors of [46] provide one of the earliest applied models, demonstrating the convergence of blockchain and IoT for agri-food traceability and effectively bridging the gap between theoretical development and practical implementation.

Ranked fifth, the study by Kouhizadeh M. et al. [11], published in the International Journal of Production Economics, has garnered 627 citations, reflecting its significant theoretical contribution to the field. This work systematically identifies and categorizes the barriers hindering the adoption of blockchain technology in sustainable supply chain management (SSCM). Employing the Technology–Organization–Environment (TOE) framework in conjunction with Force Field Theory, the authors comprehensively analyze interrelated technological, organizational, and environmental barriers through the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) methodology. Their findings emphasize that technological immaturity, lack of managerial commitment, and inter-organizational coordination issues constitute the most critical obstacles to implementation. Furthermore, the study enriches academic discourse by revealing notable differences in perceptions between scholars and practitioners regarding blockchain adoption, thereby offering valuable insights for developing targeted implementation strategies. Its theoretical depth, analytical clarity, and methodological rigor account for its high citation rate and enduring influence on subsequent research in the domain.

Ranked sixth, the study by Kamble et al. [47], published in the International Journal of Information Management, has received 529 citations, reflecting its relevance in the field. This article proposes a structured decision-making model to evaluate the key enablers of blockchain adoption in agricultural supply chains, with a particular emphasis on traceability, sustainability, and the use of smart contracts. Employing an integrated ISM-DEMATEL methodology, the authors identify thirteen enablers and analyze their interrelationships. Traceability stands out as the most critical factor, followed by auditability, immutability, and provenance. In addition to highlighting these technical enablers, the study addresses organizational and regulatory barriers, underscoring the necessity of stakeholder collaboration and supportive policy frameworks for successful implementation. Overall, this work offers a robust, practical, and analytical foundation for developing blockchain adoption strategies in agri-food supply chains, particularly in the context of emerging economies such as India.

Ranked seventh, the article by Hastig and Sodhi [48], published in Production and Operations Management, has received 450 citations, reflecting its notable influence in the field. This study offers a comprehensive thematic analysis of blockchain-based traceability within supply chains, drawing insights from academic literature and practitioner sources. The authors identify a hierarchy of business requirements—such as transparency, compliance, sustainability, and fraud mitigation—and classify critical success factors, including organizational readiness, stakeholder collaboration, and effective governance. The study references real-world applications in sectors such as cobalt mining and pharmaceutical supply chains to illustrate the practical relevance and complexity of implementing traceability solutions. Although it does not evaluate a specific blockchain platform, the article provides a solid conceptual foundation and an early-stage measurement model that serve as a basis for empirical validation and future theoretical refinement. Its nuanced attention to regulatory, social, and technological barriers positions it as a key contribution to understanding blockchain adoption from an operations management perspective.

Ranked eighth, the article by Esmaeilian et al. [49], published in Resources, Conservation and Recycling, has garnered 421 citations and presents one of the most comprehensive analyses of the intersection between blockchain and sustainability within the Industry 4.0 paradigm. The authors identify four key capabilities of blockchain in supporting sustainable supply chains: incentivizing green behavior through tokenization, improving life-cycle visibility, enhancing operational efficiency, and strengthening sustainability monitoring and reporting mechanisms. Although the study does not focus exclusively on traceability, it provides a robust framework for integrating blockchain with circular economy principles. Additionally, it acknowledges relevant technological and regulatory challenges, such as high energy consumption and limited flexibility in smart contracts. Notably, this work distinguishes itself by bridging technical and behavioral perspectives, positioning blockchain as a socio-technical enabler of systemic sustainability transformations.

Ranked ninth, the study by Behnke and Janssen [50], published in the International Journal of Information Management, has received 376 citations and is distinguished by its empirical and conceptual rigor in examining the prerequisites for blockchain-based traceability in food supply chains. Drawing on case studies from the dairy industry, the authors identify 18 boundary conditions—encompassing aspects such as data governance, interoperability, regulatory compliance, and organizational trust—that must be met to enable successful implementation. Rather than concentrating solely on technological aspects, the study highlights the importance of sector-wide coordination, standardized interfaces, and permissioned blockchain architectures. Although sustainability is not the central focus, the proposed traceability framework implicitly promotes transparency and consumer trust, thereby contributing to developing safer and more resilient food systems.

Ranked tenth, the study by Bai and Sarkis [52], published in the International Journal of Production Research, has received 360 citations and introduces an innovative appraisal model for evaluating blockchain technologies based on transparency and sustainability criteria within supply chains. The authors propose a multidimensional framework that combines hesitant fuzzy sets and regret theory to address decision-maker uncertainty, divergent opinions, and behavioral biases. The evaluation model assesses transparency across multiple dimensions—product, process, participant, and sustainability conditions—while considering key technical attributes such as scalability, security, and interoperability. Although the study does not focus on a specific blockchain platform, it provides a replicable methodology for systematically comparing technological alternatives. This contribution is particularly noteworthy for integrating transparency and sustainability into the technology selection process, offering theoretical rigor and practical guidance for decision-making in supply chain contexts.

Chod et al. [52], published in Management Science and cited 345 times, offer an innovative theoretical perspective by demonstrating that supply chain transparency can function as an effective signaling mechanism to improve access to financing. Their contribution is twofold: first, they develop an economic model that compares inventory-based and credit-based signaling mechanisms, and second, they present a functional prototype—b_verify—built on the Bitcoin blockchain, designed to enhance transaction verifiability, particularly in emerging markets. This study underscores how blockchain technology can reduce information asymmetries, enabling firms with stronger operational capabilities to obtain more favorable financing conditions. In contrast, Salah et al. [53], cited 331 times and published in IEEE Access, provide a practical implementation of blockchain technology for soybean traceability in agricultural supply chains. Utilizing the Ethereum platform and smart contracts, the authors design a decentralized and secure system on the blockchain that records essential transactions and metadata, such as crop growth stages and quality metrics. The system also integrates decentralized file storage via IPFS to manage documentation efficiently. This implementation enhances transparency, facilitates logistics automation, and ensures data integrity across multiple stakeholders. The authors of [52,53] illustrate the dual potential of blockchain technology in supply chains. Chod et al. emphasize its economic value by linking transparency to improved capital access, while Salah et al. demonstrate its technical feasibility through an applied, industry-specific use case. Both contributions highlight the role of blockchain in mitigating trust deficits and strengthening traceability in complex, multi-actor supply networks.

The three-field plot shown in Figure 9 visualizes the relationships between scientific sources (left), key authors (center), and author keywords (right). This Sankey diagram provides insights into how the most influential researchers distribute their work across different sources and the predominant themes in their academic production.

Scientific Sources (Left Column): The analysis reveals that high-impact journals and key conferences are the primary publication venues for blockchain-related supply chain research. Among them, Sustainability stands out as the most represented source, reinforcing the strong link between blockchain and sustainability. Similarly, Computers & Industrial Engineering plays a crucial role in process optimization and automation, while the International Journal of Production Research is one of the most cited sources, demonstrating strong connections with multiple influential authors. Other notable sources include Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems and Procedia Computer Science, which focus on blockchain applications in networked systems. Meanwhile, the ACM International Conference Proceedings Series highlights the significance of conferences in disseminating blockchain-related research in supply chain management.

Key Authors (Center Column): Several leading researchers exhibit strong connections with blockchain applications in supply chain management, sustainability, and transparency. Among them, Sarkis J., Kumar A., Singh S., Jayaraman R., and Li Y. are particularly influential in shaping both theoretical and practical developments in the field. Additionally, Dasaklis T., Casino F., and Nordin N. contribute extensively to research on traceability and transparency. At the same time, Ali M., Liu P., and Gupta S. are closely associated with studies on smart contracts, the IoT, and food supply chain traceability.

Author Keywords (Right Column): The most frequently used keywords highlight the dominant themes within the field. “Blockchain” and “blockchain technology” are central terms, underscoring their foundational role in bibliometric analyses. Similarly, “supply chain” and “supply chain management” reinforce blockchain’s applicability in logistics and operations.

Furthermore, “sustainability” and “traceability” remain key research priorities, reflecting the ongoing efforts to enhance transparency and efficiency in supply chains. The presence of “smart contracts” and “IoT” suggests a growing emphasis on automation and technological integration, while “Ethereum” highlights the influence of specific blockchain platforms. Notably, “food supply chain” and “sustainable supply chain” confirm the strong focus on agricultural and food sector applications.

Figure 9 reveals a strong interconnection between authors, sources, and research themes. Sustainability and traceability are emerging as core applications of blockchain in supply chains. Journals such as Sustainability and the International Journal of Production Research are important in disseminating influential studies. Additionally, the prominence of emerging keywords like “smart contracts”, “IoT”, and “Ethereum” indicates a technological shift toward automation and digital transformation. Understanding these research trends and the most influential sources will help identify future growth areas within blockchain-driven supply chain research.

4. Discussion

This bibliometric review offers a comprehensive synthesis of the scientific literature on blockchain applications in sustainable and transparent supply chains. The findings suggest that this is a rapidly expanding field characterized by growing academic interest, thematic diversification, and a notable convergence between digital innovation and sustainability imperatives. Furthermore, the discussion contextualizes the identified patterns by integrating them with broader theoretical frameworks and practical implications, thereby enriching the understanding of the transformative potential of blockchain in supply chain management.

4.1. Addressing Traditional Supply Chain Challenges

One of the primary motivations for adopting blockchain technology in supply chains is its ability to overcome the limitations inherent in conventional systems. Traditional supply chains frequently exhibit critical inefficiencies, including a lack of transparency, vulnerability to fraud, and limited interoperability among stakeholders. These systemic weaknesses give rise to concrete challenges, such as the proliferation of counterfeit products, logistical delays, and suboptimal waste management practices.

Numerous highly cited studies offer both empirical and conceptual validation of these concerns. For instance, [43] emphasizes that blockchain can mitigate inefficiencies through decentralized verification, real-time tracking, and the implementation of smart contracts—tools that collectively enhance transparency, automate transactions, and reduce opportunities for fraud. In a similar vein, [44,45] propose frameworks that integrate blockchain with RFID and IoT technologies to enhance traceability and mitigate information asymmetries, particularly within the agri-food supply chain. Extending this line of inquiry, [46] introduces AgriBlockIoT, a real-world application that combines IoT sensors with blockchain infrastructure to monitor product flows, curb counterfeiting, and streamline logistics. Additionally, [48] identifies critical success factors such as organizational readiness and stakeholder collaboration, reinforcing the notion that blockchain can effectively address traceability and regulatory compliance challenges. Supporting this view, [53] documents a practical blockchain-based implementation for soybean traceability, demonstrating notable improvements in data integrity and process automation throughout the supply chain.

The bibliometric analysis conducted in this study further corroborates these findings. Keywords such as “traceability system”, “trust”, “smart contracts”, “counterfeiting”, “security”, “IoT”, and “decentralization” appear prominently across thematic clusters, signaling a sustained scholarly focus on the technological potential of blockchain to resolve long-standing operational issues. Importantly, these terms are not merely theoretical constructs; instead, they reflect operational imperatives that have been translated into both experimental and applied research contexts. Collectively, these findings underscore that blockchain should be viewed not solely as a technological innovation but rather as a systemic solution to pervasive inefficiencies in supply chain governance and operations. Its adoption represents a paradigm shift toward more transparent, automated, secure, and resilient supply networks.

4.2. Fragmentation in the Academic Discourse

Despite the growing volume of literature, a key limitation identified in this review is the lack of conceptual integration regarding the impact of blockchain on transparency and sustainability within supply chains. The keyword co-occurrence network (Figure 7) reveals that foundational concepts such as sustainability, traceability, and transparency are dispersed across separate thematic clusters rather than coalescing into a cohesive research stream. For example, while terms like “traceability system” and “smart contracts” are central within technologically oriented clusters, sustainability-related terms—such as “green supply chain” and “circular economy”—appear in peripheral or emerging areas with low density (Figure 8), indicating limited theoretical consolidation.

Geographic disparities compound this thematic fragmentation. Although the number of publications has increased significantly, particularly after 2020, this growth is unevenly distributed across the years. Countries such as China and India dominate in terms of total output; however, their contributions are largely confined to SCPs, reflecting limited international collaboration. In contrast, countries like the United Kingdom, France, and Pakistan exhibit a higher incidence of MCPs, indicating more extensive cross-institutional partnerships. Such geographic asymmetries may partially explain the observed thematic disintegration, underscoring the need for more globally coordinated research efforts.

Collectively, these patterns reflect a fragmented academic discourse in which critical dimensions of blockchain potential—namely operational efficiency, environmental sustainability, and governance transparency—are frequently examined in isolation. While some influential studies [43,49] have attempted to bridge these domains, the bibliometric evidence suggests that such integrative approaches remain exceptions rather than the norm.

Hence, this fragmentation highlights the need to adopt comprehensive analytical frameworks that integrate technological innovation with sustainability science. Models such as the Technology–Organization–Environment (TOE) framework or ESG criteria, combined with interdisciplinary methodologies, offer promising pathways to align currently disjointed research strands. Such integration would not only strengthen the theoretical foundation of the field but also enhance its applicability to real-world supply chain transformations.

Beyond epistemological fragmentation, these patterns may also be rooted in structural disparities in research capacity, digital infrastructure, and national innovation policies, particularly in high-output countries such as China and India. In contrast, underrepresented regions, such as Latin America and sub-Saharan Africa, often face institutional and economic constraints that limit their ability to actively participate in the global research agenda. These regional asymmetries not only influence the dominant research themes and methodological approaches but also raise critical questions about the generalizability of current findings to a broader range of socioeconomic and regulatory contexts. Hence, addressing such imbalances is essential to advancing a more inclusive, representative, and context-sensitive body of knowledge in the field.

4.3. Thematic Convergence and Emerging Topics

A major contribution of this bibliometric review lies in identifying key thematic clusters and emerging keywords that illustrate the interdisciplinary evolution of the field. One cluster is centered on core technological advancements, with frequent terms such as “Ethereum”, “IoT”, “machine learning”, “distributed ledger”, and “smart contracts”, which reflect the integration of blockchain with digital innovation and automation. Another cluster emphasizes themes related to “traceability” and “food safety”, where “COVID-19” serves as a contextual driver that highlights the relevance of blockchain in addressing crisis-induced disruptions. A further thematic area focuses on sustainability, incorporating keywords such as “circular economy”, “privacy”, and “artificial intelligence”, particularly in the logistics domain. Additionally, the presence of terms like “decentralization”, “stakeholders”, and “Hyperledger” indicates an expanding research focus on governance mechanisms and the implementation of permissioned blockchain infrastructures. Together, these clusters underscore the multidimensional nature of the field, bridging technological innovation, food system integrity, environmental responsibility, and institutional transformation.

This convergence of topics is echoed in the content of highly cited studies within the field. For instance, [44,45], which focus on agri-food traceability, align closely with the cluster emphasizing transparency and food safety. Similarly, [43] explores the role of blockchain in fostering sustainable supply chain governance, which aligns with the thematic focus on circular economy and responsible logistics. The authors of [49] examine the integration of blockchain with Industry 4.0 and sustainability, touching upon automation and smart technologies. Moreover, [46] provides a practical implementation (AgriBlockIoT) that operationalizes IoT and blockchain for agri-food traceability, reinforcing themes of digital innovation. Additionally, studies by Kamble et al. and Kouhizadeh et al. highlight enabling factors and adoption barriers—such as organizational readiness, stakeholder coordination, and the use of permissioned blockchain infrastructures—thus reinforcing the field’s attention to institutional and technological enablers.

The observed alignment between emergent keywords in co-occurrence networks and the thematic focus of foundational studies reinforces the analytical robustness of keyword-based mapping. Moreover, it reveals a gradual but consistent convergence between technological innovation and sustainability concerns. The recurrent presence of terms such as “trust”, “traceability”, “smart contracts”, and “circular economy” suggests that blockchain research is progressively adopting a more integrated narrative—one in which transparency, digital infrastructure, and sustainable practices are increasingly interconnected.

Notably, this thematic convergence has intensified alongside a sharp rise in academic output since 2020, as illustrated in Figure 2. The number of publications increased from 41 in 2020 to over 160 in 2024, representing a nearly fourfold growth. This temporal trend reflects the accelerated adoption of digital technologies in response to global disruptions, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic, which emerges as a significant keyword. The presence of “COVID-19” within the cluster associated with food traceability suggests that the pandemic served not only as a contextual driver of academic interest but also as a catalyst for real-world blockchain experimentation. Global supply chain disruptions have exposed critical weaknesses in transparency and responsiveness, particularly in sectors such as food, healthcare, and logistics, prompting the rapid deployment of blockchain for emergency coordination, traceability, and inventory verification. In several countries, pilot projects and academic studies have emerged that explore the utility of blockchain in tracking the origin and flow of critical supplies, verifying authenticity, and supporting digital trust during crisis conditions. This development marks a pivotal moment in which blockchain moved from conceptual exploration to practical deployment under pressure, reflecting its potential to enhance supply chain resilience. The inclusion of COVID-19 underscores the responsiveness of blockchain research to urgent global supply chain challenges, including safety, operational continuity, and digitalization.

Hence, the evolution of keyword patterns not only demonstrates the dynamism of the field but also highlights its capacity to adapt to shifting socioeconomic and environmental priorities, reinforcing the relevance of blockchain in shaping resilient and sustainable supply networks.

4.4. Toward Theoretical Anchoring

Although this study did not initially adopt a predefined theoretical framework, the results suggest meaningful alignments with established models such as the Technology–Organization–Environment (TOE) framework and the Resource-Based View (RBV) framework. The TOE framework provides a useful lens for interpreting the structural and contextual barriers identified in both the bibliometric analysis and the most frequently cited studies. For example, technological immaturity—evidenced by recurring keywords such as “blockchains”, “smart contracts”, and “IoT”—corresponds to the technological dimension of the framework. Likewise, organizational resistance and readiness, as discussed in [11,48], align with the organizational dimension. Meanwhile, external factors such as regulatory uncertainty can be situated within the environmental component of TOE.

In parallel, the RBV framework provides insight into how blockchain-enabled capabilities—such as “trust”, “transparency”, “automation”, and “traceability”—may function as strategic resources. These capabilities, frequently observed across keyword clusters and elaborated in studies, as in [43,52], offer the potential for firms to achieve sustained competitive advantage. For instance, the implementation of smart contracts and real-time verification mechanisms contributes to reducing transaction costs and enhancing supply chain agility and responsiveness.

Hence, integrating the TOE and RBV frameworks into future reviews and empirical investigations may enable the field to progress beyond descriptive mapping toward theory-driven inquiry. Such integration would not only support the evaluation of the maturity and scalability of blockchain-based solutions but also facilitate comparative analyses across organizational configurations, geographical regions, and sustainability objectives.

4.5. Limitations and Future Research Directions

This study is not without limitations. First, the absence of a predefined theoretical framework during the initial stages of the review may have constrained the interpretation of keyword patterns and thematic clusters. Although theoretical connections—particularly with the Technology–Organization–Environment (TOE) framework and the Resource-Based View (RBV) framework—were established in the discussion, beginning the analysis with a structured theoretical lens could have enhanced both methodological coherence and analytical depth.

Second, the exclusive reliance on Scopus and Web of Science excluded the relevant gray literature and non-indexed sources, potentially omitting insights from industry reports, technical documents, and regional journals. Additionally, the decision to include only English-language publications, while ensuring standardization and methodological consistency, may have introduced a geographical and cultural bias by underrepresenting research from non-English-speaking regions. Furthermore, the search strategy was deliberately restricted to the title field (TITLE) to enhance thematic precision and ensure that only studies explicitly focused on blockchain, sustainability, and supply chain management were included. While this decision improved the specificity and coherence of the dataset, it may have excluded relevant studies that mention core concepts only in the abstract or body of the text. This limitation reflects a trade-off between precision and recall that future studies could address by broadening the search scope to include abstract and keyword fields, followed by rigorous post-retrieval screening.

Third, while the keyword analysis was conducted systematically, it depended heavily on author-supplied metadata, which may have introduced interpretative bias or failed to capture subtle conceptual nuances. Fourth, the bibliometric approach emphasized citation counts and co-occurrence patterns, which, although valuable, offer limited insight into the substantive content and context of individual studies.

Notwithstanding these limitations, the findings of this review revealed several promising avenues for future research derived from the thematic structures, keyword evolution, and co-occurrence patterns identified in the literature.

First, the co-occurrence network reveals a strong emphasis on foundational concepts, including transparency, traceability, and sustainability. However, keywords like “smart contracts”, “carbon footprint”, “circular economy”, and “green supply chain” appear less frequently or in isolated clusters, suggesting underexplored areas. Future studies should investigate how blockchain technologies can specifically support the operationalization of circular economy principles, carbon accounting mechanisms, and closed-loop supply chains, especially in sectors with high environmental impact.

Second, the thematic map indicates that while topics such as “blockchain”, “sustainability”, and “supply chain management” are well-established and central (i.e., motor themes), others—such as “Internet of Things”, “machine learning”, and “traceability systems”—remain peripheral or weakly consolidated. The latter suggests that research integrating blockchain with advanced digital technologies is still in the incipient stage. Future work should examine the synergies between blockchain and artificial intelligence, particularly in areas such as real-time data processing, anomaly detection, and predictive risk management in sustainable logistics. Notably, the repeated presence of “Ethereum” across Keyword Plus, Author Keywords, the co-occurrence network, and the thematic map underscores its pivotal role in blockchain-enabled supply chain solutions. While Ethereum is widely recognized as the primary infrastructure for smart contracts, there is a paucity of critical analysis regarding its practical limitations, particularly regarding transaction costs, scalability, and energy consumption within sustainability frameworks [34]. Further research should explore alternative platforms (e.g., Hyperledger, Tezos) and Layer 2 solutions that offer greater efficiency and environmental compatibility. Empirical studies that evaluate the performance and limitations of Ethereum-based models in real-world sectors, such as agriculture, food systems, and pharmaceuticals, would also yield valuable insights into their scalability and operational viability.

Third, the temporal evolution of keywords reveals a transition from foundational concepts (e.g., blockchain, distributed ledger) toward more applied topics (e.g., food safety, cold chain, traceability system). Nevertheless, key socio-environmental dimensions—such as “social equity”, “smallholder inclusion”, and “governance frameworks”—remain largely absent from the discourse. This gap underscores the necessity of incorporating ethical, social, and policy considerations into future research on blockchain adoption in global supply chains. Moreover, the geographic and institutional concentration of scholarly output—largely originating from a limited number of countries and research institutions—raises concerns about the contextual relevance of findings for underrepresented regions, particularly Latin America and sub-Saharan Africa. Comparative analyses across diverse regulatory, economic, and cultural contexts could enhance our understanding of the scalability and adaptability of blockchain-based sustainability solutions.

Finally, while bibliometric indicators confirm a growing academic interest in this field, there is a notable lack of longitudinal and interdisciplinary studies that integrate empirical data, system dynamics modeling, and stakeholder analysis. Future research should adopt mixed-methods approaches and engage directly with practitioners and policy-makers to validate theoretical models and assess the real-world impact of blockchain initiatives on environmental and social performance metrics. Although several real-world implementations of blockchain already exist in sectors such as agri-food systems (e.g., IBM Food Trust, Carrefour) and pharmaceuticals (e.g., MediLedger, SAP Hub), further research is needed to deepen our understanding through empirical, sector-specific evaluations. These should assess how the features of blockchain—such as sustainability, transparency, automation, and digital trust—concretely impact supply chain performance under operational constraints. Such analyses should also account for sectoral heterogeneity in terms of traceability demands, stakeholder complexity, and regulatory frameworks.

With the purpose of translating these research insights into policy action, recommendations should move beyond generalized principles and focus on actionable, context-sensitive measures. For instance, public procurement systems can incorporate blockchain-based smart contracts to enhance transparency, as demonstrated by ChileCompra in Latin America. Similarly, the Chilean Treasury has piloted blockchain infrastructure to improve accountability in public payments, and the Ministry of Energy has explored its use for certifying solar energy generation and emissions data.

In the agri-food sector, initiatives such as IBM Food Trust and Carrefour’s blockchain programs offer tested models that enhance traceability and consumer confidence. At the global level, OpenSC—developed by WWF and BCG Digital Ventures—empowers consumers to verify the ethical and environmental provenance of products such as seafood, palm oil, and dairy. At the regional level, the Inter-American Development Bank’s LACChain initiative provides a permissioned blockchain infrastructure that supports cross-border applications, including public procurement, digital identity, educational credentials, and supply chain transparency. This initiative exemplifies how multilateral cooperation and public–private partnerships can facilitate scalable and inclusive blockchain ecosystems.

In order to ensure broader adoption, we also recommend implementing open data standards and cross-sectoral capacity-building programs that promote interoperability and equitable access to blockchain infrastructure.

In parallel, key implementation barriers—such as high costs, technological immaturity, limited interoperability, and regulatory uncertainty—must be systematically addressed. For instance, high transaction fees and scalability challenges associated with public blockchains, such as Ethereum, can be mitigated through Layer 2 solutions, which reduce the computational load and cost per transaction. Modular blockchain architectures enable tailored, sector-specific implementations that enhance adaptability and integration. Regulatory sandboxes enable testing innovative solutions under controlled legal conditions, helping policymakers anticipate potential risks. Finally, fostering multi-stakeholder alignment (including governments, private firms, and end users) can enhance institutional trust and support the broader adoption of blockchain technologies. Future research should evaluate these countermeasures in empirical settings to assess their effectiveness and contextual applicability. These strategies are essential for translating the theoretical potential of blockchain into sustainable and scalable real-world applications.

In conclusion, this review highlights the dynamic and rapidly evolving nature of blockchain research in sustainable supply chains while also exposing persistent gaps and fragmentation. Advancing the field will require more integrative, theoretically grounded, and context-sensitive research that combines bibliometric insights with empirical validation. Future studies should incorporate qualitative content analysis and case-based methods, as well as frameworks such as ESG and LCA, to assess the extent to which sustainability principles are operationalized in blockchain deployments. Expanding international research collaboration—particularly involving underrepresented regions—may also foster more inclusive, diverse, and globally relevant perspectives.

Ultimately, the findings underscore blockchain’s potential not only as a technological enabler but also as a transformative framework for building transparent, resilient, and environmentally responsible supply networks.

5. Conclusions

This bibliometric review offers a comprehensive synthesis of the scientific landscape on blockchain applications in sustainable and transparent supply chains. The analysis confirms a sharp increase in research activity since 2020, reflecting growing academic interest in leveraging digital technologies to enhance sustainability. However, this growth has been geographically uneven. Countries such as China and India dominate in terms of publication volume, yet collaboration patterns remain fragmented—particularly across the Global South—limiting the inclusiveness of the global research agenda.

The keyword and thematic analyses reveal a multidimensional field centered on “traceability”, “smart contracts”, “IoT”, and “sustainability”. While technological themes dominate, environmental and governance-related topics—such as “circular economy” and “stakeholder coordination”—are still emerging and lack theoretical consolidation. This imbalance reflects the need for a more integrated approach that bridges technical, organizational, and policy dimensions. Notably, these trends align with the themes of the most frequently cited studies, reaffirming the dual role of blockchain as both a technological enabler and a strategic instrument for addressing systemic inefficiencies.

The analysis of scientific outlets shows that journals such as Sustainability and Computers & Industrial Engineering are central to the field, underscoring the dual framing of blockchain research through the lenses of environmental responsibility and operational optimization. Future studies should prioritize underexplored regions, strengthen theoretical grounding, and examine the integration of blockchain with complementary technologies such as artificial intelligence and the IoT. Moreover, assessing real-world implementations through frameworks such as ESG and LCA will be crucial in evaluating the tangible impact of blockchain on supply chain sustainability.

In summary, blockchain has emerged not only as a digital innovation but as a catalyst for systemic transformation in global supply chains. Fully realizing this potential will require interdisciplinary, empirically grounded, and context-sensitive research that bridges the technological promise with the imperatives of sustainable development.