Factors influencing application of blockchain technology in agricultural supply chain management: Systematic literature review and social network analysis

Background: Blockchain technology, widely recognised as a disruptive innovation, has profound potential to revolutionise agricultural supply chain management. Despite the optimistic outlook associated with its application, the existing exploration and deployment of blockchain in the agricultural sector remains at a relatively rudimentary stage, indicating that this transformative technology has yet to fully realise its inherent potential within this sphere. This study aims to identify the critical factors and explore the relationships among the factors that influence the willingness and efficacy of adoption and implementation of blockchain technology in agricultural supply chain management. Methods: First, a systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted using VOSviewer software to visualize the status and development tendencies of research in the field of blockchain technology, and core authors in the field were identified. Second, the papers selected through SLR were further screened based on the PRISMA guidelines and discussions with experts to identify the challenges and influencing factors of adopting blockchain technology in the agricultural supply chain. Finally, social network analysis was conducted to identify the key influencing factors and explore the network relationships. Results: Perceived cost, Establishment of consensus network, and Privacy and security are the critical factors influencing the adoption of blockchain technology in the agricultural supply chain. Policy Support is another key influencing factor. Overall, technological factors dominate the adoption willingness of users. Conclusions: This study used social network analysis to identify the factors influencing the adoption of blockchain technology in agricultural supply chain management. The study findings will help develop targeted policy measures for blockchain application from the perspective of agriculture practitioners.