The big blockchain hype was followed by disillusionment. In international logistics, however, the technology has a right to exist, as use cases show.
The blockchain is not the disruptive panacea of IT that it was initially glorified to be. Nevertheless, there are scenarios in which the now established technology offers real added value. These are areas of application in which the blockchain contributes to the development of decentralized data infrastructures and process optimization across organizational boundaries as well as to the reduction of trust problems through transparency and protection against counterfeiting.
- Advantages and disadvantages of blockchain in logistics and trade
- Law: Electronic Securities Act in force
- IoT Security: Blockchain on the SIM card
- Cryptocurrencies: An Introduction to the Ethereum Blockchain
The use of blockchain technology is particularly useful in environments where participants need to cooperate but still have potentially conflicting or competing interests. In international logistics and in supply chains, one inevitably encounters these requirements.
The study “Blockchain for supply chains and international trade” commissioned by the research service of the European Parliament is also dedicated to this topic, in which the authors of this article were also involved. She analyzes the potential and effects of blockchain developments and applications within the framework of eight practical use cases, which we will examine here.
