Enablers to Boost Blockchain Adoption in EU

Abstract

This paper describes a framework to facilitate the adoption of the Blockchain technology and streamline the development of decentralised applications (DAPPs). It describes four enablers, as self-contained core modules, offering specific, key functionality using the Blockchain technology. The enabler functionality includes a) Blockchain-based ID management allowing for authentication and authorization, b) the storage of data in the IPFS distributed filesystem with guarantees of data integrity and authenticity, c) the trustworthy registration of entities, services, and bindings, d) the performance of trustworthy negotiations towards external marketplaces with the support of the Blockchain. The design and interactions of the enablers are described using sequence diagrams. The usage of the functionality provided by the enablers is also being evaluated. In parallel, we present the application of the Blockchain technology, mainly in the context of EU project Block.IS in three economic areas agriculture, finance, and logistics. We provide and discuss a digest of the decentralised applications designed and developed over a period of approximately 3 years (2019-2021). Key areas of interest, processes, workflows, and assets where Blockchain technology has been applied are described. Findings, in terms of Blockchain application, challenges and technical selections as well as third-party tools are also identified and discussed.