Designing and explaining the components of the blockchain technology model in the sustainable financial supply chain of the automotive parts manufacturing industry

Abstract

This research designs and explains the components of a blockchain technology model in the financial sustainability of the automotive parts manufacturing industry. This research is applied and of mixed type (qualitative and quantitative). To collect qualitative data, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 experts and senior managers of 10 large automotive parts manufacturing companies. In the quantitative part, 11 experts were selected for the initial design of the model, and then 214 managers (including senior managers, finance, technology, and supply chain) from 150 companies were questioned to evaluate the model. The results of the Fuzzy Delphi identified 13 key components for the financial sustainability of the supply chain. The findings of interpretive-structural modeling (ISM) showed that dimensions such as "technology and infrastructure management", "standardization", and "policy-making" and "legal and regulatory framework" are independent. In contrast, "dimensions of financial system development", "achieving sustainable goals", and "supply chain integration" were assessed as dependent. Overall, the results emphasize the importance of “risk management” and “supply chain support systems” in improving performance. To promote the blockchain technology model in sustainable supply chains, it is suggested that managers focus on components such as “legal and regulatory framework” and “standardization.” Also, strategic measures such as enacting new government regulations, upgrading employees’ technical skills, and increasing collaboration along the supply chain are necessary to improve transparency and reduce financial risks.