The Adoption of Blockchain by Small Agri-Food Companies: An Empirical Investigation

Blockchain Technology (BT) is increasingly used not only as a traceability tool that could enhance safety and transparency in food supply chains, but also as a strategic marketing lever. However, adoption of this technology among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) remains low. To identify the factors underlying this phenomenon, this research focuses on knowledge of BT, uncertainty about its benefits, and privacy concerns, and assesses the influence of these variables on intention to adopt blockchain-based traceability systems through two empirical studies. Study 1 involved 86 SMEs located in Italy and demonstrates that BT knowledge increases the intention to adopt this technology through a reduction of SMEs’ uncertainty about BT. Study 2 involved 109 managers of small agri-food companies located in the UK and demonstrates that BT knowledge has a positive impact on adoption intention, but only when privacy concerns are low. While limited by regional scope and sample size, these findings expand the literature on BT adoption barriers and provide practical guidance for enhancing BT adoption among agri-food SMEs. Policymakers aiming at boosting BT adoption among SMEs could focus on targeted education and reassurance about the security of this technology in order to reduce uncertainty and concerns over possible privacy infringements.