ECIPE Seminar: The Revolution that Blockchain is Bringing to Trade, and the Role of Policy
We invite you to join a discussion about the benefits that blockchain technology will bring to supply chains and customs borders, and the policy challenges ahead.
As the hype around blockchain technology continues to boil, it is becoming clear that it will have a far-reaching impact on global supply chains and customs borders. Thanks to its ability to significantly cut paperwork, increase transparency and prevent fraud, blockchain is on its way to truly revolutionising trade. Nevertheless, many obstacles remain that slow blockchain innovation and the uptake of the technology, both on a technological and regulatory level. Given this context, we would like to discuss the state of blockchain implementation within global trade, and how policy can help.
– What has been achieved with blockchain and trade so far, and what is still to come?
– What are the greatest obstacles to blockchain innovation in trade?
– How can EU policy make Europe a global blockchain leader?
– How will blockchain technology impact customs borders?
– How can SMEs most benefit from blockchain technology?
– Will blockchain’s scalability issues hinder its impact on global supply-chains?
– How can the GDPR be reconciled with blockchain?
Programme
The seminar will begin with a keynote speech from Emma McClarkin (MEP), who will present her report on how blockchain can be used to strengthen effectiveness of the EU’s customs borders. Next, Louis de Bruin, IBM’s blockchain leader in Europe, will give insights on the current state of implementation of the technology within supply chains. Lucian Cernat, chief economist at DG Trade, will give his personal view on the technology and provide insight on what EU policy can do to promote it. Finally, Nicolas Botton, research assistant at ECIPE, will provide insights on the barriers slowing down the adoption of the blockchain technology within trade. The panel will then turn to the audience for questions.
The seminar will be chaired by Fredrik Erixon, Director at ECIPE.
Location
