Blockchain technology can be used as a catalyst for public-private partnerships (PPPs) in several ways, primarily by enhancing transparency, efficiency, and trust in these collaborations.

This was recently highlighted when Blockchain services company VX Technologies partnered with the Philadelphia Police Department to improve transparency and accountability by documenting vital police records on the BSV blockchain.

This includes essential evidentiary information which will go a long way in improving public trust in policing, explains Zachary Weiner, President of VX Technologies. VX Technologies builds applications which provide verifiable and secure certificates on the BSV blockchain, easily accessible around the world.

Weiner explained that one of the biggest issues facing local governments is an inability to make records immutable. ‘For example, we have seen police forces in the United States get sued because the department had changed records or rewritten reports to be more favourable to their case,’ he said.

Use cases for micropayments

While this is just one example of blockchain being used as a catalyst for a public-private partnership, there are several other ways the technology can be used – especially in the case of micropayments. These include:

• Transparency and accountability: Blockchain technology can provide a tamper-proof and transparent ledger of all transactions and data related to a PPP project. This ensures that all parties involved have access to the same information, reducing the risk of disputes and fostering trust.

• Automated payment processing: Micropayments enabled by blockchain can facilitate automatic and instant payments between public and private entities based on predefined criteria and smart contracts. This minimises delays in payments and reduces administrative overhead.

• Tokenised assets: Assets related to PPPs, such as real estate or infrastructure, can be tokenised on the blockchain. This allows for fractional ownership, making it easier for private investors, including individual micro-investors, to participate in PPPs.

• Crowdfunding PPPs: Micropayments and blockchain can be used to enable crowdfunding of PPP projects. Individuals can make small contributions to a project and receive tokens representing their ownership stake or future benefits, such as toll revenue from a public toll road.

• Reduced middlemen: Blockchain eliminates the need for intermediaries in transactions, reducing transaction costs and streamlining the PPP process. This can make PPPs more attractive to private investors and individual contributors.

• Immutable records: Blockchain records are immutable, meaning once information is added, it cannot be altered or deleted. This feature ensures that project data, contracts, and payments are securely stored and cannot be tampered with, enhancing trust among stakeholders.

• Smart contracts: Smart contracts on the blockchain can automate various aspects of PPP agreements, such as revenue-sharing, maintenance schedules, and penalty clauses. This reduces the need for manual intervention and ensures compliance with contractual terms.

• Decentralised decision-making: Blockchain-based voting mechanisms can be used for decision-making within the PPP framework. This includes decisions related to project modifications, funding allocation, and governance issues, allowing all stakeholders to participate in the decision-making process.

• Secure identity verification: Blockchain can provide a secure and decentralised way to manage identity verification for all participants in a PPP, enhancing security and reducing the risk of fraud.

• Cross-border PPPs: Micropayments using cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology can facilitate cross-border PPPs by eliminating currency conversion issues and reducing the complexity of international transactions.

• Data management: Blockchain can securely manage and share sensitive data relevant to PPPs, such as environmental impact assessments, financial reports, and legal documentation. This can streamline regulatory compliance and due diligence processes.

• Real-time monitoring: IoT devices and sensors can be integrated with blockchain to provide real-time monitoring of PPP assets and infrastructure, allowing for proactive maintenance and cost savings.

To effectively implement micropayments and blockchain in PPPs, it’s crucial to address regulatory and legal challenges, ensure data privacy and security, and educate all stakeholders about the benefits and risks associated with these technologies.

Additionally, collaboration between public and private sectors, as well as partnerships with blockchain development and fintech companies, can help drive the adoption of these innovative solutions in PPPs.