Watch this interview with Prof. Alex Grech from 3CL Foundation to delve deeper into EBSI-CAN and their nine-month journey with the NGI Sargasso funding program, and learn about their valuable experiences and insights.
In the Transatlantic project, the 3CL Foundation, EBSI, and Verifiable Credentialing in Canada are investigating the potential for EBSI to be implemented as a verifiable, cross-border credentialing framework within Canada. They are focusing on leveraging various use-cases for cross-issuance, cross-verification, and cross-recognition to identify and address issues related to the governance, legal, technical, and business landscapes in Canada.
Introducing the European Blockchain Services Infrastructure (EBSI) as a verifiable, cross-border credentialing system in Canada could transform the issuance, verification, and sharing of credentials both provincially and internationally. This innovation would be especially advantageous for sectors like trade, logistics, education, healthcare, and professional licensing, where the demand for secure and easily verifiable credentials is crucial.
Key Benefits
- Enhanced Security: Blockchain technology ensures that credentials cannot be tampered with or fraudulently created, providing a high level of trust and security.
- Interoperability: A standardized framework would allow for seamless interaction between different provincial systems and international bodies, facilitating easier recognition of credentials.
- Efficiency: Automating the verification process can reduce administrative burdens and speed up the time required to verify credentials.
- User Control: Individuals would have greater control over their own credentials, enabling them to share their qualifications easily and securely with employers, educational institutions, and other relevant entities.
Challenges to Consider
- Regulatory Alignment: Ensuring that the framework aligns with both provincial and federal regulations would be essential for smooth implementation.
- Technological Integration: Existing systems would need to be updated or replaced to integrate with the blockchain-based framework, which could require significant investment.
- Data Privacy: Safeguarding personal information while maintaining the transparency and immutability of the blockchain would need to be carefully managed.
- Stakeholder Buy-In: Achieving widespread adoption would require buy-in from various stakeholders, including government bodies, educational institutions, and professional organizations.
Steps for Implementation
- Feasibility Study: Conduct a comprehensive study to assess the feasibility and potential impact of implementing EBSI in Canada.
- Pilot Programs: Initiate pilot programs in specific sectors or regions to test the framework and gather valuable data.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Engage with key stakeholders to gather input, address concerns, and build consensus.
- Regulatory Framework: Develop a regulatory framework that supports the secure and effective use of blockchain technology for credentialing.
- Technological Infrastructure: Invest in the necessary technological infrastructure to support the new system.
By addressing these challenges and leveraging the benefits, Canada could position itself as a leader in the adoption of blockchain technology for credentialing, enhancing the efficiency, security, and interoperability of its credentialing systems.
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