Mapping the knowledge landscape of blockchain in logistics: a bibliometric analysis of the research trends, themes and future research directions

Recent technologies such as blockchain have played a pivotal role in logistics through transparency, security, and efficiency. The current study aims to conduct a bibliometric analysis to identify trends and developments around ‘blockchain’ in logistics. Using the Scopus database, the article investigates publications from 2017 to 2024 by analysing the data through VOS Viewer, Hazing’s Publish or Perish, and MS Excel. The results demonstrate that blockchain has garnered significant interest with major contributions stemming from countries such as China, India, and the United States. Prominent authors and journals are identified along with important emerging themes, such as the interaction of blockchain technology (BCT) with the Internet of Things (IoT) and smart contracts. This study contributes towards understanding the theoretical aspect of blockchain theory in logistics and will aid practitioners in strategising and deciding the appropriate innovative technology for the growth and development of the competitive logistics industry.