Blockchain for the circular economy: Theorizing blockchain's role in the transition to a circular economy through an empirical investigation. (15th March 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Böhmecke‐Schwafert, Moritz; Wehinger, Marie; Teigland, Robin
• Other Names: Bai Chunguang guestEditor.; Cordeiro James guestEditor.; Sarkis Joseph guestEditor.
• Is Part Of: Business strategy and the environment. Volume 31:Number 8(2022)
• Page Start: 3786
• Page End: 3801
• Publication Date: 2022-03-15
• Subjects: blockchain -- circular economy -- innovation -- sustainability -- transition; Industrial management -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Industries -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; 658.4083
• DOI: 10.1002/bse.3032
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0964-4733

Abstract

Abstract: Blockchain is increasingly lauded as an enabler of the transition to a circular economy. While there is considerable conceptual research and some empirical studies on this phenomenon, scholars have yet to develop a theoretical model of blockchain's role in this transition. Grounded in the sustainability transition literature, this paper addresses this gap through the following research question: What role does blockchain play in the transition to a circular economy? Following an abductive approach, we conducted interviews with ground‐level experts implementing blockchain innovations for the circular economy across Europe and the United States. Through a thematic analysis, we derived a theoretical model of the relationships among (1) drivers and barriers of the transition to a circular economy, (2) blockchain innovation for the circular economy, (3) technical challenges of blockchain, and (4) the circular economy. While blockchain plays a moderating role, interviewees considered it only an infrastructural resource rather than a panacea.