The disruption of blockchain technology in accounting: a review of scientific progress

Abstract

[EN]The purpose of this study is to explore the disruptive potential of blockchain technology in the field of accounting. By conducting a systematic review and bibliometric analysis, the research aims to identify key clusters and trends that illustrate how blockchain can transform traditional accounting practices. This includes improving transparency, enhancing data security, automating processes and integrating emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence. This study also seeks to highlight current research gaps, challenges in practical implementation and the future impact of blockchain on governance and financial systems. Design/methodology/approach – This study uses two main methodologies: a systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis. The systematic review follows the PRISMA 2020 guidelines to identify and analyze relevant articles from Scopus, Web of Science and EBSCO databases, using specific search equations related to blockchain and accounting. A bibliometric analysis was conducted using VOSviewer to identify key clusters and trends within the collected literature. Clustering techniques, such as exploratory factor analysis, were applied to explore the relationships among documents, keywords and authors, providing insights into the evolution of blockchain’s impact on accounting practices. Findings – The results of this study reveal four primary clusters in the intersection of blockchain and accounting: CryptoLedger Accounting Network, TransparentChain Trust Framework, IntelliLedger Accounting Tech and DigiGov Ledger Insights. These clusters highlight key areas where blockchain technology is transforming accounting practices, such as enhancing transparency and trust in supply chains, integrating artificial intelligence for accounting automation and improving data security. The bibliometric analysis also identified emerging trends, including the increasing relevance of smart contracts, the challenges of integrating blockchain with existing systems and the need for updated regulatory frameworks. Practical implications – In this sense, this paper presents several theoretical and practical implications, as well as identifying possible limitations and gaps in current knowledge, providing new opportunities for the establishment of future lines of research, such as robust regulatory frameworks, privacy and security considerations, and the practical implementation of blockchain solutions in real-world accounting scenarios. Originality/value – This study provides a unique contribution by synthesizing the disruptive impact of blockchain technology on accounting through a combination of systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis. By identifying four distinct research clusters, this paper offers fresh insights into how blockchain integrates with accounting practices, particularly in transparency, automation and security. It also highlights emerging challenges and research gaps, such as regulatory frameworks and practical implementation. The originality lies in the comprehensive exploration of blockchain’s multifaceted role in modernizing accounting, offering valuable guidance for both academics and practitioners navigating this evolving field.