Blockchain-Based Governance Framework for Transparency, Traceability, and Accountability in Public Sector Supply Chains

Abstract

Public sector supply chains are frequently challenged by limited transparency, weak accountability mechanisms, fragmented data management, and persistent risks of corruption and inefficiency. These challenges undermine public trust and reduce the effectiveness of government procurement and service delivery systems, particularly in developing and transitional economies. Blockchain technology has emerged as a promising governance infrastructure capable of addressing these systemic weaknesses through its decentralized, immutable, and auditable data architecture. This review paper examines the role of blockchain-based governance frameworks in enhancing transparency, traceability, and accountability across public sector supply chains. Drawing on peer-reviewed literature, policy reports, and real-world implementation cases, the study synthesizes current applications of blockchain in public procurement, logistics coordination, asset tracking, and contract execution. The review critically evaluates how core blockchain features, including distributed ledgers, smart contracts, and cryptographic verification, enable real-time visibility, reduce information asymmetry, and strengthen institutional oversight. Additionally, the paper discusses governance design considerations such as interoperability with legacy systems, regulatory alignment, data privacy, and stakeholder adoption challenges. Particular attention is given to the implications of blockchain deployment for anti-corruption efforts, performance monitoring, and public value creation. By consolidating fragmented research across technology, governance, and supply chain domains, this review provides a structured conceptual foundation for policymakers, public administrators, and researchers seeking to implement or evaluate blockchain-enabled governance models. The paper concludes by identifying research gaps and proposing future directions for scalable, ethical, and context-sensitive blockchain adoption in public sector supply chains.