An initiative in the Netherlands, the National Blockchain Coalition, has recently published its action agenda.

Established by the ICT Team set up by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the initiative aims to position the Netherlands as the international leader in the application of blockchain technology. It is a joint initiative of over 20 organizations active in the logistics, energy and financial sectors, as well as governments and research institutes.

National Blockchain Coalition is a partnership of governmental bodies and companies:

• Partners include ABN AMRO, ING, Volksbank, Nationale Nederlanden, Rotterdam Port Authority, Enexis, Alliander, the Dutch Royal Notarial Association, Brightlands and the Ministries of Economic Affairs, Infrastructure and the Environment, Security and Justice, and Interior and Kingdom Relations.
   
• On the knowledge side they are joined by TU Delft, Tilburg University, Radboud University, Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica (CWI) - the national research institute for mathematics and computer science), NWO and TNO join.
   
• The social perspective is added by ECP | Platform voor de InformatieSamenleving (Platform for the Information Society).

According to the founding members, blockchain technology is likely to have a huge impact on energy, financial services, logistics and ultimately healthcare. The coalition foresees positive effects on the autonomy of citizens, transparency of operations and cyber security, as well as reduced administrative burdens.

"Blockchain technology promises the secure delivery of digital information," says Minister of Economic Affairs Henk Kamp. "It's good news that Dutch companies, knowledge institutions and authorities are already gaining early experience with the capabilities of this new technology. It will make digital payments and data exchange easier and safer in many ways. By keeping the Netherlands at the forefront of the application of innovative technologies, our knowledge base remains progressive and world-class. That creates jobs and income."

The action agenda primarily focuses on the development of “digital identities”, which will allow persons, properties, and legal entities to conduct digital transactions as part of a blockchain. In addition, the coalition is working on solutions in the areas of legislation and acceptance. For knowledge development, there are agreements on training, knowledge sharing and skill building.

"Development and implementation of blockchain technology demands a coordinated approach to challenges by parties in many sectors," he says. "If the Netherlands seizes the available opportunities at this pioneering stage, we can become a world leader in blockchain technology."