Adoption of blockchain technology in promoting halal compliance

Purpose Blockchain technology (BT)-based halal discussions have gained momentum as their significant benefits have become evident. However, explaining the halal compliance of blockchain-based products remains insufficient. This study attempts to confront this deficiency and promote a thorough understanding of halal compliance using BT. Design/methodology/approach The research design emphasized the relationship between theoretical and empirical evidence in adopting BT to produce novel knowledge for halal compliance. Furthermore, this study formulated a model resulting from an iterative process between theoretical and empirical evidence, as confirmed by multiple case studies. To produce solid findings, the data were collected using a few approaches involving key actors in halal-specific areas in Indonesia, such as in-depth interviews, direct observations and documentation. Findings The study shows that the developed model elucidates the synthesis of BT and halal compliance. BT’s features can facilitate the dimensions of halal compliance and can be applied in multiple cases. The BT features work complementarily, and it was found that some features work dominantly in each dimension for halal compliance, while other features accentuate a minor role. Other findings identified discrepancies among the cases since they had different characteristics. Originality/value This study initiates an integrative model combining BT features and halal compliance dimensions, including traceability, integrity and authenticity. The model, along with the study’s implications and contributions, is then explained in detail in this article.