Open Access

REVIEW

International Standardization of Blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technology: Overlaps, Gaps and Challenges

by Xiangjuan Jia¹, Jing Xu¹, Mengwei Han¹, Qing Zhang¹, Lu Zhang¹, Xiaofeng Chen^1,2,*

1 Department of Standardization and Research Project Management, Hangzhou Qulian Technology Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, 310000, China
2 State Key Laboratory of Blockchain and Data Security, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000, China

* Corresponding Author: Xiaofeng Chen. Email:

(This article belongs to the Special Issue: Emerging Trends on Blockchain: Architecture and Dapp Ecosystem)

Computer Modeling in Engineering & Sciences 2023, 137(2), 1491-1523. https://doi.org/10.32604/cmes.2023.026357

Received 31 August 2022; Accepted 05 January 2023; Issue published 26 June 2023

Abstract

As one of the most concerned digital technologies in recent years, blockchain and distributed ledger technology are an important driving force for a new round of technological development. It is currently in the process of accelerating its evolution and maturity, and has gradually integrated with other digital technologies. It has been applied in many industries, providing decentralized solutions for various industries, realizing innovative storage models, and building a new trust system. As blockchain technology is officially incorporated into China’s new information infrastructure category, the application fields of blockchain have expanded rapidly, gradually extending from the financial field and government affairs to other fields in the real economy. At the same time, with the continuous development of the globalized economy, blockchain technology will also have a profound impact on international technological and economic development. Therefore, for the healthy and orderly development and real implementation of the blockchain industry, standardize the application of blockchain, effectively break through the cognitive and technical barriers between different countries, industries and systems on a global scale, prevent application risks, the development of the global blockchain industry needs standardization basis, which is particularly important and urgent. A sound standard system is an important key to the successful development of technology, and formulating the right standard at the right time for technology development helps ensure the ease of use and interoperability of the technology. From the perspective of international standardization, this article first introduces the general situation of ISO, ITU-T, IEEE, W3C and other international standardization organizations, and sorts out the status quo of the blockchain standardization working groups of mainstream international standardization organizations. All blockchain-related standards under development have been analyzed for the characteristics of international blockchain technology standards and industry application standards. Through data analysis, the overlaps, differences and conflicts in the field of international blockchain standard formulation are sorted out, and suggestions for blockchain standardization work in the application and development of blockchain technology standardization by international organizations and industries are put forward. The plans and layouts of future international standards are summarized to help the development of the international standardization of blockchain.

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