Public administration using blockchain technology and platforms: new opportunities

Abstract

This article aims to identify potential applications of blockchain technology in public administration. Although blockchain is most useful when trust in government is low (because blockchain provides greater accountability), the feasibility of implementing blockchain solutions depends on a certain level of administrative and technical capacity of the authorities and, most importantly, on their readiness and willingness to implement these technologies. depends on the following factors. The reluctance to implement blockchain technology is partly related to the perception that blockchain is in “competition” with the state. There are also “usual” political barriers to change in administrative structures, such as the reluctance of government officials to introduce new technologies. The analysis showed that blockchain technology has not yet become widespread in the public sector, although a number of pilot programs have been developed. In addition, many applications of blockchain have not progressed beyond proof of concept and pilot implementations on a limited scale, and further research is needed on the barriers to the adoption of blockchain technology in the public sector, including the issue of the so-called “digital divide”. We know that the consideration of blockchain in public administration can be divided into one or more of the following perspectives: blockchain as a technology of freedom, blockchain as a polycentric structure, or blockchain as a new type of database. Each perspective sheds light on its potential for public sector governance, as blockchain can be all three, depending on the political, economic, social and technological context. The article also identifies that personal data, government procurement, online government services and support for democratic processes are areas where blockchain technology can be successfully used to improve administrative efficiency. However, the analysis also proved that blockchain offers opportunities in almost all areas of public administration, so a special program for implementing blockchain technology in the public sector is needed.