Configurational approaches to blockchain-enabled sustainability strategies

Purpose Blockchain technology (BC) has emerged as a transformative tool for driving sustainability across various sectors, with notable implications for the agri-food industry. However, documented success stories and sector-specific research have been limited. This study examines the mechanisms by which BC facilitates the achievement of sustainability goals. Specifically, it investigates how BC-related benefits contribute to companies' success in attaining sustainability outcomes and supporting their strategies. Design/methodology/approach This study uses Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) to examine the connections between adoption conditions and sustainability outcomes. It uses crisp-set QCA and Boolean algebra to represent the case membership as dichotomous values (0 or 1). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 52 Italian agri-food firms and BC providers, identified through snowball sampling. This configurational approach reveals how companies adopt BC and its impact on achieving sustainability goals. Findings The results reveal that BC supports sustainability by (1) strengthening business relationships, (2) providing technical resources, (3) enhancing process effectiveness, and (4) sustaining market performance. Based on how these benefits combine, this study identifies three distinct adoption pathways: technology-driven, process-driven, and value-driven, each representing a unique strategy for leveraging BC to achieve sustainability goals. Originality/value This study deepens how BC intersects sustainability and offers actionable insights into its benefits and adoption configurations. It stands out as one of the first studies to examine the detailed pathways that companies follow when integrating BC into sustainability strategies. By addressing this emerging topic, this study underscores the context-specific mechanisms through which BC facilitates sustainable business transformations.