How to Assess the Impact of Blockchain on Decarbonization in Urban Logistics?

Abstract

The critical role of blockchain technology has been highlighted in decarbonization and logistics transitions in the literature. Blockchain technology combined with the Smart City paradigm is identified as one of the most important digital technology disruptions and trends of sustainable urban logistics in the future. Unfortunately, none of the current strategic assessment models can evaluate the impact of blockchain technology adoption on the decarbonization pathways in urban logistics. In this study, to assess the impact of blockchain technology adoption on decarbonization goals in urban logistics, we review the literature for the current strategic assessment tools/models, sustainable urban logistics, Smart City paradigm, and blockchain technology application in logistics and decarbonization. We propose a combination of different modelling approaches including the living lab, agent-based models, and specific decision-making algorithms of blockchain technology adoptions in urban logistics and Smart City paradigms to fill the identified gaps in the literature. The main contribution of this study is to identify the research gaps in the analysis of the impact of blockchain on decarbonization in urban logistics.