Blockchain is recognised as a useful key digital technology in Industrial Internet of Things environments. It provides a means for the protection, traceability and security of industrial data. Blockchain is defined as an immutable digital ledger technology, based on a distributed and decentralized infrastructure that facilitates the management of data and transactions by leveraging on encrypted and trusted mechanisms. Despite it was introduced in 2009, it seems to be still immature. Indeed, some few applications have been experimented since 2019. Therefore, it is interesting to explore the knowledge boundaries of such technology for a secure data management and for ensuring the sustainability of industrial business models. Based on a systematic literature review and a bibliometric analysis, this study aims to identify the most important implications of the blockchain adoption with regard the protection and traceability of data in industry. The results of the analysis show the identification of seven clusters, as potential future research directions. The study provides both theoretical and practical implications. It extends the body of the literature by suggesting potential opportunities in industry and within an emerging technological field. Also, it supports managers to identify and plan accurate strategies for strengthening the sustainability of their business, by leveraging on the development of novel knowledge for a secure management of their assets.