WS 4: Innovative uses of blockchain for public empowerment

Rapporteur: Marco Lotti, Geneva Internet Platform

• It is important to develop the knowledge of blockchain technology at the government level. There is the need to further develop the capacity of policymakers in regard to blockchain and new technologies so that they can fully understand the potential of such technology for citizens and for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

• To ensure that blockchain applications benefit wider society, capacity development programmes should also focus on consumers and citizens so as to fight miscommunication and distorted perceptions about the potential of this technology.

• The blockchain environment is still highly fragmented: The lack of interoperability and engagement of stakeholders are among the challenges that prevent a broader application of blockchain technology. As a result, there is the need to develop common standards of application and a common legal framework by looking at existing standards. One of the possible ways forward is represented by the regulatory sandbox approach promoted by the European Commission.