Advancing Blockchain Commerce for Danish Design (ABCD)

Abstract:

In the global marketplace, it is becoming more complex to manage and support product lifecycles as many products are purchased, produced, sold, consumed, and recycled globally. Thriving trade leads to increased wealth. However, obvious climate-change and concerned citizens have prompted the UN to formulate the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Blockchain-technology can address several of the SDG’s while supporting global trade. Specifically; how can a Danish SME furniture manufacturer export to China and enable the Chinese consumer to authenticate a piece of Danish Design and its’ raw materials to be from a sustainable source? The project addresses this question and aims to help Danish businesses to implement blockchain while sustainably pursuing global trade and enhancing their competitiveness. Blockchain can be used to verify the authenticity of the product and certify that raw materials originate from a sustainable source. Furthermore, at the end of a product-lifecycle the transparency about materials in blockchain enables correct recycling of the product. Combined with supply-chains blockchains support effective distribution and trade. These scenarios are consistent with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure; SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production; SDG 13; Climate Action) (UN, 2015). However, the increasing number of blockchain standard solutions with differing applicability and purpose is making it difficult for businesses to become adequately informed of the potential blockchain business scenarios. Organizations must master these possibilities if they are to navigate in the challenging, but also confusing global scenario. Project objectives-To equip Danish companies with the competences to make strategic decisions about choosing, implementing, and embedding blockchain technology in their core activities.-To develop practical tools that allow Danish companies in the lifestyle and design industry to couple blockchain with IoT (Internet of Things) technology, in order to improve the transparency, traceability, and authentication in their supply chains, from producers to consumers.Link: www.blockchainbusiness.dk