Blockchain’s weakest links : a modified UTAUT model analysis of the TradeLens case

Abstract

The recent withdrawal of TradeLens, an enterprise blockchain consortium, emphasizes that, while blockchain can revolutionize the supply chain industry, its successful deployment and adoption remain limited. I analyse the factors that enterprise blockchain consortia experience in their efforts to achieve industry-wide diffusion. I use a case study research approach and a modified Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model with empirical evidence gathered from in-depth interviews and secondary data sources. The thesis finds that the cost of implementing blockchain technology, platform governance issues and a lack of international cooperation poses significant challenges to achieving industry-wide adoption of this solution.