Journal of FinTech and Sustainable Finance

Articles

Vol. 1 (2025)

Unveiling the AI–Blockchain Nexus in Sustainable Food Supply Chains: A Meso-Level Systematic Review and Fuzzy Cognitive Mapping Analysis

DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31875/2755-8398.2025.01.10
Submitted
December 15, 2025
Published
2025-12-15

Abstract

Purpose/Aim: Describing the integration of Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain (AIB) technology, based on a review of 60 peer reviewed studies between 2018 and 2025.

Methodology: Using Fuzzy Cognitive Mapping, the study models the interdependencies among factors to uncover key causal relationships within the AIB Nexus.

Results: The AIB-Nexus is transforming food supply chains. Positioned at the meso level, encompassing networks of producers, processors, distributors, and retailers, the convergence of these technologies enhances sustainability performance and inter-organizational collaboration. Five core benefit dimensions are identified and synthesised: traceability, transparency, sustainability, trust, and safety. Analysis reveals that traceability and transparency emerge as most frequently cited and influential benefits, highlighted in over 75% of studies. Ultimately, the study positions the AIB Nexus as a foundational enabler of resilience, accountability, and sustainability within the global food system.

Managerial relevance: enhanced traceability strengthens trust, thereby amplifying transparency and stakeholder alignment.

Conclusions: a novel stakeholder-centric AIB Nexus framework is proposed that illustrates how AI and blockchain jointly optimize decision-making, enabling real-time monitoring, and promoting sustainable practices across organizational boundaries.

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