Santander evaluates the viability of Blockchain networks in public services in Spain

Santander City Council, Spain, has decided to carry out an investigation to assess the feasibility of using blockchain networks in the management of public services. The project, called TOKEN, will receive a grant of EUR 192,812, according to the latest local government statements.

Javier Ceruti, Councillor for Innovation of the City Council, noted that the project aims to introduce the city of Santander in the models of distributed governance. He also pointed out that if it succeeds, TOKEN could turn this Spanish territory into a “smart city”.

Scientists will analyze the implementation of blockchains in four different services: public financing, account management, urban logistics and data valorization. The initiative will also study the development of a system of sensors, data and communication equipment that work with Blockchain.

The project will start at the end of 2019 and will have a duration of 32 months, says the press release. It will take approximately two and a half years. The press release also highlights that the University of Cantabria (CU) will be one of the partners participating in this research.

The authorities emphasize that after this period of analysis, they will propose, with the knowledge acquired, a business model based on Distributed Governance and information/public goods. In this second stage of TOKEN, another 30 entities will be involved.

Spain, Blockchain and the Public Services

Token is part of a European Union funding program known as H2020. The project has been active since March 2019 and several investigations related to Blockchain have already been initiated under its promotion.

The Andalusian Technology Park (PTA) announced in May that it would develop a consortium Blockchain for small and medium enterprises, called Peers to Blockchain. This project is today one of the first initiatives related to Blockchain in Spain, sponsored by the H2020 program.

The Government of Catalonia recently approved the incorporation of Blockchains in seven of its public services, including the marketing of electricity and digital identity. Also the Spanish company Iberdrola carried out a project that includes a blockchain for the registration and distribution of renewable energy, which ended last year.

In addition, the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Business launched a few months ago a tender that could subsidize with EUR 9 million a project related to blockchain. These initiatives prove that the Spanish government is increasingly interested in the scope that this technology could have in the governance of their cities and industries.

Media: criptonoticias.com