Dec 09, 2018 - Amid ongoing reports of surveillance, censorship, and massive hacking of data, this research explores how distributed ledger technology can address the challenges of the World Wide Web. The authors argue that blockchain can support the Internet’s founding ideals, decentralize the Internet, and restore the balance of power between individuals and large organizations. They focus on three big issues: open access, fair participation, and the recovery of the individual sovereignty as users. The authors interviewed such experts as Sir Tim Berners-Lee, Joseph Lubin of Consensus Systems, Shane Greenstein of Harvard Business School, Rouven Heck of u...

May 01, 2021 - Blockchain Research Institute Executive Chairman Don Tapscott moderated a panel discussion of digital identity—the self-sovereign identity, verifiable credentials, immunity passports, blockchain-based wallets, and more—featuring Brian Behlendorf, general manager for blockchain, healthcare, and identity at the Linux Foundation and executive director of Hyperledger; Stephen Curran, a principal of Cloud Compass Computing and a software developer and DevOps veteran; and Nathan George, senior director of engineering for the protocol team at Kiva Microfunds. This is an edited transcript of their candid conversation.

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...

Aug 31, 2019 - This project explores how blockchain technology will optimize the deployment of connected and autonomous vehicles (CAVs), including those with electric vertical takeoff and landing capabilities. It looks at the Mobile Open Blockchain Initiative, which involves 80 percent of world’s auto manufacturers and leading tech firms. It covers such implementation challenges as blockchain latency and scalability, communications network latency, device security, and regulation. Finally, it raises concerns about data privacy on immutable distributed ledgers as well as the legal liabilities of CAV ownership and usage.

Mar 22, 2019 - The use of artificial intelligence is diffusing, making it one of the broadest technological revolutions ever. Blockchain technology has the unique ability to improve the reliability of AI training data and secure AI implementations through smart contracts and on-chain governance. This project examines AI, the differences among centralized, decentralized, and distributed AI, the utility of autonomous agents, and current scalability and governance challenges.

Oct 23, 2017 - Foxconn is among the first manufacturers to implement blockchain technology in its supply chain. This project looks at Chained Finance, which consists of a procurement market and the handling of logistics, accounting, inventory, finance, and sales functions. Participants’ visibility into orders and the movement of assets enables them to provide trade finance and short-term loans to tier 2 and tier 3 suppliers as needed and at better rates than the traditional financial system.