Institutional drivers and sustainability priorities in blockchain adoption for an emerging economy

• Examines blockchain adoption in freight transport using meta-analysis and MCDM. • Reveals heterogeneity in adoption barriers across sustainability perspectives. • Shows learning and growth capabilities as key enablers of sustainable adoption. • Extends institutional and socio-technical transition theories to emerging markets. • Identifies social implications linking blockchain adoption with SDGs and inclusivity. Blockchain adoption in freight transport is shaped by institutional drivers and sustainability priorities, yet its dynamics in emerging economies remain insufficiently understood. This study investigates blockchain adoption through a dual approach. First, a meta-analysis synthesizes existing blockchain–logistics research, revealing substantial heterogeneity in adoption dynamics and underscoring the importance of institutional and contextual moderators. To deepen contextual insights, a case study of the North African freight platform applies the Sustainability Balanced Scorecard (SBSC), the Best–Worst Method (BWM), and DEMATEL to evaluate sustainability priorities and adoption barriers. Results show that financial goals dominate short-term strategies, while learning and growth capabilities act as causal enablers of sustainable adoption. The findings extend institutional and socio-technical transition theories by demonstrating how policy-driven sustainability agendas and institutional voids condition technology adoption in emerging economies. Socially, the study highlights the potential of blockchain to advance Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by fostering inclusive employment, transparency, and environmental accountability in freight transport.