Improving operational efficiency through blockchain: evidence from a field experiment in cross-border trade

Based on the practical needs of cross-border trade between Yunnan Province, China, and Southeast Asian countries, this paper studies the impact of blockchain technology usage on operational performance. Owing to immutability and traceability, the implementation of a blockchain-based platform solves several existing problems of cross-border trade. We conducted a field experiment to verify the effect of blockchain technology on the operational efficiency of cross-border trade companies. The results show that operational, agency, and time costs significantly decrease. Blockchain usage reduces the intermediary agencies of cross-border trade and settlement payment for traders, also improves the timeliness of business processing and the efficiency of cross-departmental business collaboration. This study provides new insights on the interface of blockchain technology and supply-chain operation management.