Nov 21, 2019 - Insurance is a significant industry worldwide: in 2017, total global gross written premiums tallied $4.8 trillion. In this white paper, Henry Kim and Muhammad Izhar Mehar of the Schulich School of Business offer clear guidance for evaluating potential blockchain use cases in commercial insurance. They take a “first principles” approach rooted in historical and economic perspectives and provide a more scientific framework for comparisons. It is a practical work for professionals responsible for sizing up the potential of distributed ledger technology in the insurance industry.

Dec 07, 2018 - In collaboration with Canadian Food Inspection Agency and Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada, researcher Alan Majer of Good Robot presents the promise and potential of blockchain applied to the safety and sustainability of Canada’s food supply. He includes in-depth interviews of Emma Weston, CEO of AgriDigital, Padraig Brennan of Bord Bia, and leaders at Agri Traçabilité Québec and BLOCKstrain. Ultimately, he describes a working model of the holistic approach that other government agencies could be taking to test blockchain solutions to pressing national problems that require public-private collaboration. Le chercheu...

Aug 31, 2019 - This project surveys patents issued globally in the blockchain space, compares them to the nature and volume of patents in the Internet space, and puts them into categories of innovation. The author walks through a careful analysis of the claims of issued patents, for companies to decide whether to avoid such patents or to design around their claims. He identifies deficiencies in the patent office review of prior art, which—when rectified—could render a patent invalid. Finally, he discusses strategic uses of patent offices and the federal court system in the defense of or dispute over an issued patent.

Jan 29, 2018 - This research examines the basics of US patent law and its application to blockchain technologies, including the impact of Alice Corp. v. CLS Bank International decision. The author compares the benefits and the drawbacks of different patent strategies, such as voluntary communal coordination, and provides recommendations for future innovation and regulation so that the community can access foundational blockchain patents while the inventors and those who invested in the essential patents receive fair compensation.

Feb 09, 2021 - This research project surveys what federal governments can do to exploit the next era of technology across their operations, within their economies and society, and with their allies and global partners. It focuses on the threats and opportunities facing the United States—including China’s increasing dominance in global supply chains and strategic innovation. It also speaks to challenges the new administration faces, and recommends five areas for immediate action: securing digital systems, citizen identities, and personal data; embracing cryptocurrencies and launching a digital dollar; transforming government services and culture; engagin...