Abstract

This paper describes one of Oxfam’s pilot projects exploring blockchain technology, focusing on the non-technological, institutional challenges faced by the organisation. There is an emerging literature on blockchain for social good, however, this predominantly focuses on the use cases and issues relating to applying the technology in international development projects. A gap in the literature exists regarding the non-technological aspects of blockchain projects both within the sector and more broadly. Addressing this gap is critically important as many of the promises of blockchain technology will only eventuate in their fullest when whole ecosystems are using the technology. To get there requires a transition period and it is this transition period that holds the key to success for organisations exploring the technology. This paper goes some way to addressing this gap. It does so by describing a specific case study and unpacking some of the organisational challenges associated with implementing a blockchain-based project in the international development and humanitarian sector. This has important implications for the sector as blockchain technology becomes ever more present as a tool capable of reducing inequality and addressing power imbalances. The Oxfam case study described in this paper highlights the difficulty many not-for-profits are having engaging with the technology. The lessons are drawn from a specific use case of a current pilot project using blockchain technology in a cash transfer preparedness project in a small island developing state. Although important and insightful, this paper does not focus on the specifics of the application of the technology but rather discusses the myriad non-technological challenges faced from Oxfam Australia’s perspective. These are categorised into three main areas: awareness and understanding of the technology, capacity constraints of in-house support services in providing relevant support for a nascent technology, and issues related to engaging in non-traditional partnerships. The paper concludes by recommending further areas of research and suggestions to develop practical tools and guidance to help the international development and humanitarian sector navigate this emerging technology.

Highlights

  • Along with many other sectors, the international humanitarian and development sector is exploring the opportunities that blockchain technology1 promises

  • It does this by documenting the experiences and internal institutional challenges faced by Oxfam Australia as the organization explores blockchain technology through various proofs of concept and pilot projects

  • This paper explores the challenges faced by Oxfam Australia in designing and implementing a blockchain-based cash transfer pilot project in a small island developing state

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Summary

INTRODUCTION

Along with many other sectors, the international humanitarian and development sector is exploring the opportunities that blockchain technology promises. Despite this growing attention and accompanying literature, there has not been any specific attention paid to the pragmatic issues faced when using the emerging technology in an established international non-government organization (Coppi and Fast, 2019) This is critically important as many of the promises of blockchain technology will only eventuate in their fullest when whole ecosystems are using the technology. This paper fills a gap in the literature regarding business processes and the non-technological challenges to implementing blockchain for social good projects It does this by documenting the experiences and internal institutional challenges faced by Oxfam Australia as the organization explores blockchain technology through various proofs of concept and pilot projects

BACKGROUND
DISCUSSION AND LESSONS
CONCLUDING REMARKS
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