Digital Trust, Task Complexity, and Green Transformation: How Blockchain Reshapes Innovation Across Supply Chain Systems

Authors

1 Faculty of Business, Nanjing Normal University Taizhou College, Taizhou, China 225300
Corresponding author: 20061025@nnutc.edu.cn

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.63646/ZEZY9565

Keywords:

Blockchain application; Digital trust; Task complexity; Green transformation; Supply chain integration; Resource orchestration; Sustainable innovation

Abstract

While blockchain is widely championed as a catalyst for sustainable industry, the specific organizational gears that drive this green transformation are still poorly understood. To fill this gap, our study introduces and tests a systemic model to see exactly how blockchain adoption revamps supply chain innovation. Specifically, we look at how it boosts cross-boundary integration across varying relational and task environments. Relying on systems theory and resource orchestration, our central argument is that blockchain drives green transformation primarily by integrating the supply chain. We also posit that digital trust supercharges this effect, whereas task complexity acts as a bottleneck. By analyzing time-lagged survey data from 412 Chinese manufacturers in high-emission industries, we found a clear positive total effect of blockchain on green transformation. More notably, the technology profoundly boosts supply chain integration, which in turn carries the lion's share of that positive effect. Digital trust acts as an amplifier by broadening data transparency and easing verification, while task complexity hinders the process by muddying coordination and lowering codifiability. Ultimately, blockchain's power to drive green transformation peaks when partners trust the digital infrastructure and task complexity remains low. This research pushes digital transformation literature forward by demonstrating that shared data infrastructures yield environmental benefits through interorganizational teamwork, not just raw technology adoption. It also provides a practical blueprint for leaders wanting to build reliable, sustainable digital networks across their supply chains.

How to Cite

Zhang, M., & Chen, J. (2025). Digital Trust, Task Complexity, and Green Transformation: How Blockchain Reshapes Innovation Across Supply Chain Systems. Journal of Technology Innovation and Society, 1(2), 135-151. https://doi.org/10.63646/ZEZY9565

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