The implementation of blockchain adoption in China's manufacturing industry: the technology organization environment (TOE) method

Abstract

By drawing from the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) theory, this research aims to develop a model to examine the adoption of a blockchain technology based on a survey from 362 manufacturers in Sichuan, China. A structural equation modeling method was adopted to analyze the effects of the TOE approach on the manufacturer's adoption of blockchain technology. The results indicated that technology, organization, and the environment had positive effects on the manufacturer's adoption of blockchain technology. Organizational factors are significant antecedents to a manufacturer's adoption of blockchain technology, followed by technological and environmental factors. Specifically, this research found that environmental factors had a moderating effect and strengthened the influence of organizational factors on the manufacturer's adoption of blockchain technology. Managerial and theoretical implications from the research findings were discussed to develop blockchain technology in the manufacturing industry.