The centralization-decentralization governance paradox of blockchain in supply chains

We conceptualize the centralizing-decentralizing paradox of blockchain implementation in supply chains and examine its consequences for complexity. Blockchain’s distributed ledger enables decentralized collaboration by securely sharing data. However, centralizing tendencies for focal firms to seek control over supply chains conflict with this opportunity. Our findings from blockchain for supply chain experts show widespread agreement that using blockchain facilitates decentralized collaboration whilst creating a supply chain systems paradox that often demands high levels of centralization. We find that reducing the paradox to a false dyad for communication masks its underlying complexity. We contribute to theory by developing a novel, nuanced conceptualization of underlying tensions of blockchain in supply chains. We conceptualize paradoxes as complex interacting tensions, advancing understanding of governance in blockchain-based supply chain management.