DECENTRALIZED SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT: BLOCKCHAIN AS A TOOL FOR ENHANCING U.S. COMPETITIVENESS

Abstract

The integration of blockchain technology into supply chain management offers transformative potential for enhancing industrial competitiveness. This paper explores the implications of decentralized supply chain systems enabled by blockchain, focusing on their ability to address existing challenges in traditional, centralized models. By examining real-world case studies and theoretical frameworks, the study highlights how blockchain's inherent features such as transparency, security, and efficiency can optimize supply chain operations. The impact of blockchain on global competitiveness is analyzed, with a particular emphasis on U.S. industries striving to maintain and improve their market positions. The research aims to provide insights into how blockchain technology can serve as a strategic tool for gaining a competitive edge and offer recommendations for overcoming adoption barriers. The findings suggest that while blockchain presents substantial opportunities for enhancing supply chain management, its successful implementation requires addressing technological, regulatory, and organizational challenges.