Blockchain and Government: Applications and Implications

Blockchain will bring about profound changes to business, and even to the nature of government and politics itself. This technology will disrupt how enterprises are funded and managed, how they create value, and even how they perform basic functions like marketing and accounting. In this course you will learn how blockchain technology will penetrate into the structures of organizations. You will explore how blockchain will transform the roles of the government and political climate, and how a blockchain can be used to manage and protect intellectual property. You will be able to identify the different layers of the blockchain technology stack, and explain how these affect the governance of blockchain systems. As well, you will be able to identify seven qualities that a region in the world needs in order to attract technology startups and to build a vibrant blockchain ecosystem.

A blockchain-based digital government can protect data, streamline processes, and reduce fraud, waste, and abuse while simultaneously increasing trust and accountability. On a blockchain-based government model, individuals, businesses, and governments share resources over a distributed ledger secured using cryptography. This structure eliminates a single point of failure and inherently protects sensitive citizen and government data.

A blockchain-based government has the potential to solve legacy pain points and enable the following advantages:

• Secure storage of government, citizen, and business data

• Reduction of labor-intensive processes

• Reduction of excessive costs associated with managing accountability

• Reduced potential for corruption and abuse

• Increased trust in government and online civil systems