Bureaucratic innovation with blockchain technology
in: Handbook of Blockchain in Public Governance, Edward Elgar , pp.114-125, 2026
- Publication Type: Book Chapter / Chapter Research Book
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.4337/9781035330096.00018
- Publisher: Edward Elgar
- Page Numbers: pp.114-125
- Keywords: Blockchain technology, Bureaucratic innovation, Digital transformation, Public administration
- Dokuz Eylül University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
Bureaucracy, often seen as slow-moving, inflexible, and resistant to change, now stands at a pivotal juncture, formed by political, social, economic, and technological transformations. These forces drive the reimagining of the state's role and structure, prompting an intensified quest for bureaucratic innovation. Historically slow to adapt, bureaucratic organisations are beginning to embrace new ways to improve effectiveness, efficiency, and public value. In this context of transformation, the rapid pace of technological progress has prompted governments to explore innovative solutions for public administration. Among these, blockchain technology (BCT) emerges as a revolutionary contender. With its decentralised architecture, consensus mechanisms, and defining features of disintermediation and immutability, blockchain offers a groundbreaking response to the entrenched challenges of bureaucratic systems. This chapter investigates how blockchain catalyses innovation in bureaucratic processes, envisioning a more agile, efficient, and transparent system. We examine environmental, organisational, and individual antecedents and blockchain's innovation characteristics in bureaucratic innovation while identifying the enablers and obstacles shaping its adoption. Ultimately, BCT can bring three important innovative outputs: (1) regulating administrative processes, (2) introducing new coordination and governance mechanisms, and (3) serving as a trust infrastructure for verification.