A Framework for the Profitable Integration of Distributed Ledger Technologies in Enterprise Networks

Distributed ledger technologies (DLT) have been piloted in enterprises to improve transparency and trust relationships among multiple partners but have not managed to mature as planned. Even though most implementation projects demonstrate various opportunities for the involved partners, enterprises experience difficulties in assessing the technology’s impact on profitability in order to make valid investment decisions and improve productivity. This paper employs the dynamic capabilities theory to explore how enterprises can adapt and leverage DLT for improved profitability. It presents an applicable profitability assessment model and a collection of quantitative profitability factors of DLT in enterprise networks. The framework and its associated models are developed through an inductive Grounded Theory-based approach, composed of literature reviews and qualitative empirical studies from 40 participating mixed-industry blockchain, tangle, and hashgraph experts. To retrieve profitability factors in a structured manner, the framework features an integration model covering necessary assessment steps; a taxonomy and heat map characterizing the maturity and assessment situation of the DLT; as well as an assessment model to identify and monetize profitability factors.