Distributed ledgers for Public Administration: possible benefits and implementation challenges
by Marcella Atzori, Ph.D. — Blockchain and GovTech Advisor at the British Blockchain Association
Governments throughout the world are currently exploring the use of blockchain technology and decentralised applications across a number of areas, such as land title and recordkeeping, identity management, voting systems, tax system, e-procurement, and more.
If properly engineered, distributed ledgers have the potential to significantly improve security, time and cost-effectiveness of workflows in public institutions. By eliminating redundant data, processes, and the need for digital infrastructures, a considerable amount of resources can be recovered, leading to more effective public spending.
The algorithmic protocols of blockchain also provides certainty about any transaction that occurs in the system; reduced human intervention leads to reduced potential error and therefore the delivery of public services may become not only faster and cheaper, but also more transparent and reliable.
