Abstract
Blockchain technology has garnered increasing attention, being identified by organizations and institutions as a potentially transformative technology for addressing environmental challenges, including carbon credit management. This technology, which enables secure and transparent transactions through a distributed and immutable ledger, could contribute to the development of more sustainable business ecosystems. While blockchain has been studied in various organizational contexts, its role in strengthening inter-organizational integrity within sustainable business ecosystems remains relatively unexplored. Meanwhile, research on sustainable business ecosystems and their digital transformation continues to grow, particularly in light of the climate emergency highlighted by the IPCC.This doctoral dissertation, comprising 5 chapters, is situated at the intersection of information systems, strategic management, and sustainable development. The primary objective is to examine how blockchain can contribute to the development of sustainable business ecosystems through the following research question: How can the diffusion and adoption of blockchain platforms contribute to the development of sustainable business ecosystems?To address this research question, we first studied the role of consulting firms in blockchain diffusion through 14 semi-structured interviews. Subsequently, we conducted a systematic literature review (83 articles) to map blockchain applications in business ecosystems. Finally, we carried out an explanatory case study of Carbonable, a blockchain platform dedicated to carbon credit management, through 17 interviews.This thesis aims to contribute to stakeholder theory by exploring how blockchain can facilitate new forms of engagement in sustainability contexts. It offers insights into the conceptualization of inter-organizational integrity in blockchain ecosystems and suggests analytical elements regarding the articulation between instrumental and normative approaches to stakeholder management. From a practical perspective, it presents recommendations for blockchain implementation, considering both technical and organizational aspects.