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Blockchain Technology and Sustainable Business Models: A Case Study of Devoleum

Author

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  • Francesco Mercuri

    (Department of Law and Economics of Productive Activities, Faculty of Economics, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5, 00185 Rome, Italy)

  • Gaetano della Corte

    (Department of Law and Economics of Productive Activities, Faculty of Economics, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5, 00185 Rome, Italy)

  • Federica Ricci

    (Department of Law and Economics of Productive Activities, Faculty of Economics, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5, 00185 Rome, Italy)

Abstract

The lack of transparency along global supply chains poses challenges in the areas of fraud, pollution, human rights abuses, and inefficiencies. In this context, the blockchain has the potential to offer an unprecedented level of transparency, with a shared and decentralized database in which immutable and encrypted copies of information are stored on every node of the network. Using a single case study methodology, this paper investigates how blockchain technology can improve and facilitate sustainable business models. The aim of this paper is to understand how blockchain technology can drive the development of sustainable business models. Recent studies show the importance of sustainability perspectives for business models. The study was conducted by applying the CAOS (“Characteristic, Ambience, Organization, Start-up”) model to a start-up operating in the agri-food sector, not yet institutionalized, called Devoleum. The results indicate that blockchain technology can increase sustainability through realizing the traceability, security, and non-manipulability of information, which are particularly useful in the agri-food sector. Furthermore, the absence of intermediaries in blockchain technology contributes to reducing transaction costs and the time required to consolidate relations between the company and the environment. The limitations of this study must be identified in that the company is operational but not yet incorporated.

Suggested Citation

  • Francesco Mercuri & Gaetano della Corte & Federica Ricci, 2021. "Blockchain Technology and Sustainable Business Models: A Case Study of Devoleum," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(10), pages 1-14, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:10:p:5619-:d:556614
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    Cited by:

    1. Simon Wong & John-Kun-Woon Yeung & Yui-Yip Lau & Joseph So, 2021. "Technical Sustainability of Cloud-Based Blockchain Integrated with Machine Learning for Supply Chain Management," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(15), pages 1-20, July.
    2. Paola Paoloni & Francesca Dal Mas & Amelia Barcellini, 2021. "Leadership femminile in sanit?: possibili soluzioni e strumenti. Un caso di studio," MECOSAN, FrancoAngeli Editore, vol. 0(120), pages 83-104.
    3. Büşra Ayan & Elif Güner & Semen Son-Turan, 2022. "Blockchain Technology and Sustainability in Supply Chains and a Closer Look at Different Industries: A Mixed Method Approach," Logistics, MDPI, vol. 6(4), pages 1-39, December.
    4. Yasanur Kayikci & Nazlican Gozacan‐Chase & Abderahman Rejeb, 2024. "Blockchain entrepreneurship roles for circular supply chain transition," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 33(2), pages 197-222, February.
    5. Pandey, Vivekanand & Pant, Millie & Snasel, Vaclav, 2022. "Blockchain technology in food supply chains: Review and bibliometric analysis," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 69(C).
    6. Cumali Kılıç & Gaye Atilla, 2024. "Industry 4.0 and sustainable business models: An intercontinental sample," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 33(4), pages 3142-3166, May.

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