Exploring the common blockchain adoption enablers: the case of three Italian wineries

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to explore and describe the main enabling factors affecting the implementation of blockchain technology (BCT) in a strategic sector such as the wine industry, as well as the motivation behind this choice.

Design/methodology/approach

In light of the novelty of the phenomenon studied, a case study approach was adopted analyzing three Italian wineries. A conceptual framework, based on the dynamic capabilities, absorptive capacity and dominant logic theories, was developed. Primary and secondary data were collected.

Findings

Results show that wineries working in a highly dynamic and competitive market invest more in knowledge acquisition and internal assimilation and less in transformation and exploitation of acquired knowledge, in particular preferring to outsource the application phase of BCT. The particularity of the wine industry, indeed, demonstrates the existence of hybrid alternatives in which exploration and exploitation processes can be balanced. These findings confirm the value of the conceptual framework developed to explain how wineries implement BCT in their business.

Research limitations/implications

The present work must be considered in light of the research scope and its qualitative nature.

Practical implications

Findings suggest that the adoption of BCT depends on the wineries’ ability to invest more in effective knowledge management systems to acquire and assimilate knowledge internally and in managerial skills and dominant logic that become strategic resources that can improve their innovation performance.

Originality/value

Compared to previous studies on BCT adoption in the wine industry, this work helps us to better understand how wineries implement BCT as it focuses on their ability to acquire, manage and capitalize on the flow of knowledge, as a strategic resource, which forms the basis for creating dynamic capabilities and value. Findings are of interest to develop strategies aimed to ensure the effectiveness of this innovation in a strategic sector.

Citation

Galati, A., Vrontis, D., Giorlando, B., Giacomarra, M. and Crescimanno, M. (2021), "Exploring the common blockchain adoption enablers: the case of three Italian wineries", International Journal of Wine Business Research, Vol. 33 No. 4, pp. 578-596. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJWBR-10-2020-0050