Jul 30, 2021 - This project explores one of the most critical implementation challenges of blockchain technologies: interoperability. Enterprise uses are reluctant to tokenize their assets or invest seriously in decentralized finance and digital asset management capabilities without assurances that they will be able to move these assets across blockchain platforms. What if chosen platforms fail? What if better platforms emerge? Some of the best minds in the space are addressing these issues head on with a range of innovative solutions. This project features two of them: Cosmos and Polkadot. It looks at their origins and ethos, architecture and core technolo...

Jun 28, 2021 - This project reports on the state of the enterprise blockchain space. It begins with commentary on the state of the world writ large—from the pandemic’s effects on the economy and the global need for vaccinations to the K-shaped recovery and the consequences of helicopter money (e.g., inflation). It covers a series of developments relevant to enterprise users: the price volatility of cryptocurrencies, the shortcomings of consensus mechanisms for enterprise needs, the growth of stablecoins, the status of tokenless blockchains and blockchain-as-a-service offerings, and the latest on central bank digital currencies (e.g., China’s digital c...

Nov 23, 2017 - This project examines the quantum threat to blockchain technology, with its heavy reliance on public-key cryptography. It underscores the urgent need for quantum-resistant algorithms, international standards for cryptosystems, and a large-scale retooling of information and communications technology infrastructure worldwide. The authors distinguish types of quantum adversaries and analyze our options—from patching methods to building quantum-resistant blockchains from scratch.

Mar 31, 2020 - The RemediChain project has emerged as a blockchain-based national database that collects drug waste data and supports the redistribution of safe, unused drugs and the safe destruction of expired or spoiled medication. The platform—a hybrid of Enterprise Ethereum incorporating Hyperledger Besu client and Istanbul Byzantine fault tolerant 2.0 with a proof-of-authority consensus mechanism—checks the quality of donations and tracks their provenance from source to destination, either to patients or to government-approved incinerators. This research explores the opportunities and implementation challenges of such a solution for stakeholders.

Jul 31, 2019 - This project examines how blockchain supports user centric identity systems, through such technological primitives as public key cryptography, hashing functions, zero-knowledge proofs, and homomorphic encryption. Its authors set nine benchmarks—technical specifications, governance, security, privacy, recovery and revocation, user experience, data controls, and degrees of decentralization and self-sovereignty—by which prospective users and ecosystem partners might assess different identity services and compare them to each other and the status quo. The purpose is to help users map their goals to the technical features necessary for achievi...

Apr 28, 2020 - This hour-long webinar is part four in a four-part series on blockchain and pandemics. Don Tapscott opens a discussion with Alex Tapscott and Chris Giancarlo, former Chair of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, about the potential to turn away from cash and towards a state-backed digital currency. On 28 April 2020, the BRI hosted a webinar featuring Chris Giancarlo, former chairman of the former chair of the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission and co-director of the Digital Dollar Project. This is an edited transcript of the proceedings. It distinguishes among three types of cryptocurrencies—distributed (Bitcoin), corporate (L...