Blockchain Adoption Drivers for Circular Supply Chain Management in Manufacturing: A DEMATEL–ISM–MICMAC Analysis

Abstract

While blockchain technology has the potential to improve transparency, traceability and resource circularity, its implementation in circular supply chains has been affected by the interrelated technological, organizational, financial, regulatory and sustainability factors. In this paper, the authors propose the design of an integrated framework of DEMATEL, ISM and MICMAC for the identification of causal relationships, the creation of hierarchy of interrelationships and the categorisation of the driving and the dependence characteristic of the 18 influencing factors. The findings reveal that the factors of regulatory support, environmental sustainability pressure, and blockchain infrastructure availability are among the key drivers that shape the foundation. Product traceability, digital product passports, integration of reverse logistics, remanufacturing certification, and customer acceptance are the outcomes that are mainly dependent in the process of adoption, whereas financial investment, top management commitment, digital readiness and skilled workforce are some of the supporting factors. To systematically explain how the blockchain adoption factors interact and influence the implementation of circular supply chains, the study combines three complementary structural modelling techniques to provide a prioritized framework for managerial decisions and policy development