Identifying the barriers and enablers of blockchain adoption in Saudi Arabian last-mile logistics using principal component analysis

Last-mile logistics has emerged as a tool for responsiveness, however, requires dynamic business models and technology to integrate all the stakeholders. Blockchain is emerging as a platform for logistics and supply chain problems due to its prospective features, however, the adoption is slow due to unclear benefits and diverse challenges it brings. This study explores the relationship between last-mile logistics practices (LMLPs), blockchain adoption challenges, blockchain features and blockchain adoption benefits. Data are collected and principal component analysis is used to rank the practices. Finally, we measure the impact of blockchain benefits on LMLPs using regression analysis. The findings revealed that the most important practice is close partnership with customers, followed by a state-of-the-art cybersecurity system. Blockchain features such as transparency, real-time tracking, data-driven decision-making and secure information exchange offer key benefits, including lead-time reduction and enhanced flexibility in supply chains. However, policy uncertainty remains a major challenge to blockchain adoption.