Blockchain for logistics 4.0 : a systematic review and prospects

Abstract

Logistics 4.0, with its supporting technologies, is gaining popularity with researchers and practitioners as a way to navigate the dynamic and demanding logistics environment. Blockchain technology is such a topical technology in logistics. The logistics industry benefits from blockchain as it enhances communication and collaboration among stakeholders through applications such as information sharing, goods monitoring and tracing, and executing financing and payments. However, the perceived lack of clarity on the adoption benefits has increased decision-maker's hesitation to adopt and utilize blockchain technology in the logistics industry. To fully understand blockchain applications in the context of logistics, this paper conducts a systematic literature review (SLR) on blockchain research in logistics. A selection of 113 articles undergoes review based on a two-axis framework. The first axis lists the core blockchain technologies, such as decentralized ledger, consensus mechanism, and smart contract. It comprehensively reviews their interplay with the foundational logistics requirements, such as agility, collaboration, and resilience. The second axis reviews domains such as e-commerce logistics, business logistics, green logistics, and logistics financing, which are key avenues for blockchain applications. The key themes arising from the review are a precursor to deriving avenues for future research. Finally, we present Web 4.0 in logistics, the new wave of generative artificial intelligence (AI)-empowered blockchain innovation that can shape future logistics. More specifically, we explore the role of modern AI agents in driving future research for seamless blockchain integration to logistics, enabling logistics ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) and organizational adoption. Besides addressing a gap in existing literature, the concepts discussed in this study allow for a comprehensive understanding of blockchain adoption in logistics, thus encouraging wider practical application of novel technology. From a theoretical lens, this study helps comprehend blockchain technology and its significance to logistics research.