Summary
This systematic review of 113 peer-reviewed studies synthesises evidence on how emerging digital technologies—particularly blockchain and Industry 4.0 solutions—are transforming agri-food supply chains toward greater sustainability, circularity, and transparency. The authors introduce the CTSAF (Converging Technologies for Sustainable Agri-Food Chains) conceptual framework to guide adoption by policymakers and organisations. The work identifies key enablers and barriers to implementation, positioning digitalisation as a strategic lever for supply chain resilience in response to climate change and disruption.
Regional applicability
The findings are drawn from international literature and offer a conceptual framework applicable to United Kingdom agri-food policy and industry strategy, particularly relevant to emerging government initiatives on food system transparency and resilience. Transferability will depend on UK-specific regulatory, technical, and market conditions for blockchain and IoT adoption in domestic and import supply chains.
Key measures
Enablers and barriers to blockchain adoption; implementation models; supply chain resilience; product traceability; quality control optimisation; sustainable resource management
Outcomes reported
The study examined how blockchain and Industry 4.0 technologies (IoT, artificial intelligence, smart contracts) reshape agri-food supply chains towards sustainability, circular economy, and traceability. It identified enabling factors, barriers, and implementation models through systematic review of 113 studies.
Topic tags
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