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The Situation dimension is particularly essential, and it makes the distinction from one case to another. It
refers to the general context, but it also highlights the vision, the challenges and the opportunities that
the cities are facing. For smart city initiatives, there is no one-size-fits all solution and it depends on the
context (as explained by the UNU-EGOV smart city model in Figure 5). This report also examined the study
on blockchain use-cases of land registry (Georgia, UK and Sweden). From a technical point of view, the three
projects were successful; however, the outcome, the progression and the application are very different
due to the situation. Contextual perspective, vision, regulation, governance and the role attributed to the
blockchain technology in the project are the main aspects that influenced the outcome of the blockchain-
based project.
Keeping the above in mind, it is critical to define the vision, the aimed transformation of the city and the
objectives, as well as the elements to consider when addressing the priority challenges. It will contribute
to better management of the complexity of the blockchain-based smart, sustainable city initiatives. The
existing classification that defines the use-cases according to the role of blockchain as a transformer or
an enabler – depending on how it is applied from one context to another – can be used. It could be
relevant to put into perspective the initiative depending on the role played by the blockchain. The solution
requires adaptation to the contextual specificities on smart, sustainable cities. Each city has its culture,
challenges, needs and priorities that will define the role of the blockchain solution and the value to create.
It will significantly anchor the decisions and choices in terms of applicability and suitability, smartness and
sustainability of blockchain and help to better define the needs and requirements.

5.2 Sustainable development in the B4C initiative

The second critical dimension to consider while deciding on adopting B4C is sustainable development.
Several studies are presenting blockchain as a technology that could play a significant role in the sustainable
development, the global economy as well as improving people’s quality of life and contribute positively to
the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Furthermore, the World Economic Forum is estimating
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that 10 per cent of the Global GDP will be stored on blockchain technology in less than a decade. For this
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analysis, this report has established four dimensions to measure sustainability (see Table 9).

Table 9: The sustainability in blockchain for cities

1. The B4C initiative contributes to economic sustainability.
2. The B4C initiative contributes to environmental sustainability.
Sustainability of B4C
3. The B4C initiative contributes to the social and institutional sustainability.
4. The B4C initiative supports the Sustainable development Goals (SDGs).

The economic, social and environmental aspects of sustainability are the foundational aspects of the
sustainable development introduced by the United Nations. These three domains of sustainability are
represented unevenly through use-cases of blockchain for cities. It indicates that thus far, the results are
mixed (see Table 2 Appendix 2). The B4C contributes more consistently to economic and social sustainability
than to the environmental one. Some of the SDGs are supported on certain aspects; however, they may
impact others negatively based on various factors.

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