Rainer Bartolain | Blockchain Europe https://blockchain-europe.nrw Research. Application. Network. Fri, 23 Apr 2021 13:16:09 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.8 https://blockchain-europe.nrw/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/cropped-blockchain_europe_nrw_favicon_1-32x32.png Rainer Bartolain | Blockchain Europe https://blockchain-europe.nrw 32 32 UnConference Blockchain Europe https://blockchain-europe.nrw/en/unconference-blockchain-europe-en/ Mon, 01 Mar 2021 06:41:00 +0000 https://websites.fraunhofer.de/blockchain-eu/?p=13794 The UnConference is designed as an interactive conference format. “Getting Things Done” is the focus. The Blockchain community will be brought together and jointly develop Blockchain on different levels. Both companies and scientists participate. The conference offers pitches and two days of Focus Sessions. After the pitches, you decide which session you want to attend.

In 2021, the UnConference will be hosted digitally due to Corona/COVID-19. Participation is free of charge.

Entering the Blockchain Era

Be Part of the further Development of Blockchain

April 27-28, 2021


unconference

/ˈʌnkɒnf(ə)r(ə)ns/

noun
An unconference is a participant-driven meeting. A loosely structured conference emphasizing the informal exchange of information and ideas between participants, rather than following a conventionally structured programme of events. (Oxford Language)

Together, we are heading into the Blockchain Era. Not only exciting discussions are on the agenda. We want to shape the future with Blockchain, so “getting things done” is the focus.

Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, our UnConference has a session for every level to participate in. The application areas range from concrete logistical questions to business models and the development of necessary basic components. The advantage: You decide what really interests you.

Since you decide, the whole format is very agile. If there is a lot of interest for a session, many questions and extensive discussions, a session can be offered over two days. If there is limited interest, the planned format can be changed and a new, shorter format can be offered to address the needs.

Our session masters pitch their idea of their session. After the pitches you decide which session you want to attend. Then, after the lunch break, you will discuss a common agenda in the session. Questions, problems and impulses can be brought in by the participants at any time.

Focus Sessions

For starters

I. Blockchain & Customs – Visions meet operations

Import/Export Officers, Customs Officers, Compliance Officers, Innovation Managers, Digitalization Officers, Sales or Purchasing Agents and Chief Officers let us discuss the Vision of paperless customs processing. Whether due to Brexit or in general – what challenges are you currently facing in customs processing? Bring your problem and we will find solutions together. How does the future of foreign trade and customs look like? Let’s shape and validate a shared vision. 

The focus session is offered in collaboration with AEB and Adient.

For advanced

II. Challenge my Business Model

Blockchain will disruptively change markets. Let’s discuss new, digital and blockchain-based business models and challenge what we have learned with a very concrete example.

The session is offered in cooperation with Tracifier.

For nerds

III. Blockchain: Basic Components

Together, we will identify and conceptualize new blockchain basic components. Basic components encapsulate fundamental functions of a blockchain and thus represent the foundation for the further development and widespread use of this technology. We answer the questions: which basic components do we need? What functionalities do the identified basic components provide? What is the concept of these basic components?

For starters

IV. Blockchain & Dangerous Goods

What could a digitalized dangerous goods process look like, and how could blockchain-enabled IoT devices, for example, optimize the previously paper-based and time-consuming processes? Here’s where you can get involved and help shape the development of blockchain in the dangerous goods sector.

For advanced

V. Blockchain in Supply Chain Management

Blockchain technology will contribute to a fundamental change of entire supply chains. In this session, you will learn about concrete examples of how the technology is being used in logistics.

The session is offered by our cooperation partner Spark! Living LAB.

For starters

VI. Digital Lifecycle Record

In the course of the transformation of maintenance to smart maintenance, there will also be an increased need for instruments for the documentation and transfer of maintenance-relevant information from industrial plants: The Digital Lifecycle Record. A traceable, complete and tamper-proof storage of data can be enabled by blockchain. Let us dicuss this use case.

This focus session will be presented by our guest host Sealed Services.

For starters

VII. What you can‘t earn money with in logistics?

Explore creativity techniques and learn how to come up with innovative ideas quickly – in the Silicon Economy ideation workshop. The platform economy of the future – the Silicon Economy – will paint a completely new picture. How can the future of my company be shaped in this context?

The session is offered in cooperation with Silicon Economy Logistics Ecosystems.

Agenda Day I

10:30 Welcome & Keynote

11:00 Pitches: Each Focus Session will be presented in 5 minutes.

12:00 Lunch

12:30 Getting Things Done! Focus Sessions: Introduction

1:30 Bio Break

1: 45 Focus Session Part I

End ~ 2:30 – 3:00 pm

6:00 Get-together

Agenda Day II

10:00 Focus Session Part II

11:00 Coffee Break & Networking

11:15 Focus Session Part III

12:30 Lunch

1:00 Focus Session Part IV

2:15 Coffee Break

2:30 Presentation of the Results

3:30 Conclusion

Registration

Participate in UnConference 2021

Please fill in the fields and click submit. 

Bitte füllen Sie das Pflichtfeld aus.
Bitte füllen Sie das Pflichtfeld aus.
Bitte füllen Sie das Pflichtfeld aus.
Bitte füllen Sie das Pflichtfeld aus.
Bitte füllen Sie das Pflichtfeld aus.

The individual sessions will be presented in pitches at the start of the event. You then decide which session you would like to attend. However, we would be pleased to receive a brief assessment of your interest in advance. Please choose one. 

Bitte füllen Sie das Pflichtfeld aus.
]]> Using light nodes to run blockchain in logistics more easily https://blockchain-europe.nrw/en/using-light-nodes-to-run-blockchain-in-logistics-more-easily/ https://blockchain-europe.nrw/en/using-light-nodes-to-run-blockchain-in-logistics-more-easily/#respond Mon, 30 Nov 2020 13:24:00 +0000 https://websites.fraunhofer.de/blockchain-eu/?p=13050 If companies want to use the new blockchain technology today, it must be integrated into many, perhaps all, existing IT systems. In this context, the authors of the new whitepaper with the title »A Multi-Light-Node Blockchain Architecture« suggest an architecture made up of several blockchains with a limited number of full nodes and multiple light clients which aims to keep costs low and security levels high.

The »Blockchain Europe« whitepaper, one of the two most important innovation projects within the Silicon Economy, is published in the »Future Challenges in Logistics and Supply Chain Management« series by Fraunhofer IML. The series addresses current challenges, highlights trends and focuses on novel technologies and business models.

In their 32-page paper in English, the authors Dominik Sparer, Max Günther and Christofer Heyer, all employees at Fraunhofer IML, show how several different companies can work together with the architecture as described using blockchain technology, e.g. in logistics processes. The whitepaper sees itself as a starting point for managers, system architects and people who work on implementation who want to design their own architecture for their specific business requirements.

You can download the whitepaper (PDF, English, 4.4 MB) here.

]]> https://blockchain-europe.nrw/en/using-light-nodes-to-run-blockchain-in-logistics-more-easily/feed/ 0 The beginning of the blockchain era: the communities’ expectations and requirements https://blockchain-europe.nrw/en/the-beginning-of-the-blockchain-era-the-communities-expectations-and-requirements/ https://blockchain-europe.nrw/en/the-beginning-of-the-blockchain-era-the-communities-expectations-and-requirements/#respond Thu, 12 Nov 2020 13:10:00 +0000 https://websites.fraunhofer.de/blockchain-eu/?p=13045 Blockchain Europe hosted its first community event on 11 November 2020. More than 100 participants from North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and Canada responded to the call to »Kick-off the blockchain era«. After Prof. Dr. Dr. h. c. Michael ten Hompel, Managing Director of the Institute at Fraunhofer IML, opened the digital event and Prof. Dr. Andreas Pinkwart, Minister for Economic Affairs, Innovation, Digitalization and Energy of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, said some welcoming words on the occasion of the opening, Prof. Dr. Michael Henke, Head of Blockchain Europe, guided the participants through the program and introduced the project. But it was not only the project that was introduced, the individual members of the community were also able to introduce themselves and use the digital kick-off for networking.
The event then focused on two breakout sessions to discuss the scientific and economic points of view on blockchain technology. What opportunities and challenges are posed by blockchain? What are the community’s requirements for a future European Blockchain Institute and what could more joint open and barrier-free developments of blockchain include? These and further questions were discussed and answered.

Participants saw by far the greatest potential of blockchain technology in the automation of processes using smart contracts. However, the participants also agreed that there is an urgent need for use cases and references demonstrating the successful use of blockchain in practice in order to get blockchain solutions implemented. These best practices could also relate to the traceability of products, transparency of supply chains, data security and increases in efficiency.

From the point of view of the 100 community members questioned, the planned blockchain institute should primarily be involved in coordinating these use cases and making them available via a platform where blockchain stakeholders can also benefit from networking opportunities. The joint further development of blockchain will then work effectively by means of uniform standards which the institute is to work out and establish together with the community.

The event showed that the objectives of the European Blockchain Institute meet the community’s requirements. Blockchain Europe wants to make blockchain a tangible experience, create standards and push forward the development of hardware and business models via OpenSource software together with the blockchain community in North-Rhine Westphalia, Germany and Europe. Together, practical use cases will be created and specific examples of implementation will be made available.

]]> https://blockchain-europe.nrw/en/the-beginning-of-the-blockchain-era-the-communities-expectations-and-requirements/feed/ 0 »Blockchain-capable IoT Device« opens new chapter for the Silicon Economy https://blockchain-europe.nrw/en/blockchain-capable-iot-device-opens-new-chapter-for-the-silicon-economy/ https://blockchain-europe.nrw/en/blockchain-capable-iot-device-opens-new-chapter-for-the-silicon-economy/#respond Mon, 26 Oct 2020 13:00:00 +0000 https://websites.fraunhofer.de/blockchain-eu/?p=13039 With their »Blockchain Device«, Dortmund scientists have presented a future-oriented prototype for monitoring temperature-sensitive goods such as food, medicine, and vaccines along global supply chains. It is the first device to be developed by the European Blockchain Institute as a prototype for a whole series of blockchain-based developments “made in NRW”.

Experts expect large parts of logistics to be entirely digitized within the next three years. »The digitization of process and supply chains using artificial intelligence heralds the beginnings of a new era, and not only in logistics. Digital platforms will become the mainstay of an upcoming Silicon Economy«, agree the Managers of Fraunhofer IML, Prof. Michael Henke and Prof. Michael ten Hompel.
The European Blockchain Institute at Fraunhofer IML in Dortmund will play a crucial role in that development. »This is where the first prototype will undergo further development to create a series of blockchain devices. In future, they will actively negotiate via Smart Contract, trigger transactions and book payments. Every action will be clearly identifiable and traceable via the blockchain network«, emphasizes Michael Henke.

The »blockchain device« is a completely new development, from the computer hardware and the software for the temperature sensor to the blockchain client itself. Only 9 mm high, it can be inserted into a standard container like a plug-in card. It has 5G-compatible communication, a high-resolution ePaper display (1440 x 1072 pixels) and a number of sensors (temperature, acceleration, position). Battery life is more than 14 days in continuous operation and more than two years in low-power operation.

With this blockchain-capable IoT device, real-time data capture and real-time autonomous control of supply chains will become reality. The secure integration of physical and monetary-relevant processes in a blockchain-based ecosystem guarantees horizontal and vertical networking. Position and sensor data document a thorough monitoring of the supply chain including the conditions that have to be met. Moreover, the device is »IDS-ready«, i.e. prepared for implementation in the International Data Space.

»We are pursuing the changeover from the Internet of Things to the Internet of Values«, said Prof. Michael ten Hompel, Managing Director of Fraunhofer IML, who presented the »Blockchain Device« during the award ceremony for the Innovation Prize of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia 2020 in the honorary award category. »By means of blockchain technology, not only data but also real values will soon be negotiated and booked in a legal and process-reliable manner. In the near future, the following will not only apply to logistics: no blockchain – no business«.

Here are the key data:

  • Processor: STM32MP1 with powerful dual A7 core for Linux operations + ultra-low power Cortex M4 processor for many years of operation
  • Linux operating system for the blockchain, communicating via the inter-processor communication controller with the M4 core, which is responsible for capturing sensor data and user input. In this way, the Linux operating system can be operated in a wide range of energy-saving standby modes and is only activated during events.
  • Optional Wi-Fi/Bluetooth interface (2.4 Ghz)
  • Communication via Cat-M1 + NB-IOT modem
  • E-paper HD display with 1440 x 1072 pixels
  • Operation with up to 8 buttons
  • 1 GB memory
  • Battery with energy/charge management for many years of operation
  • Temperature & humidity sensor outside and temperature sensor inside. Modular so it can be expanded with further sensors
  • Blockchain Framework Tendermint (Open Source)
]]> https://blockchain-europe.nrw/en/blockchain-capable-iot-device-opens-new-chapter-for-the-silicon-economy/feed/ 0 Politics is funding the digital future: 7.7 million Euro for European Blockchain Institute https://blockchain-europe.nrw/en/politics-is-funding-the-digital-future-7-7-million-euro-for-european-blockchain-institute/ https://blockchain-europe.nrw/en/politics-is-funding-the-digital-future-7-7-million-euro-for-european-blockchain-institute/#respond Tue, 05 May 2020 11:55:32 +0000 https://websites.fraunhofer.de/blockchain-eu/?p=13031 The Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics IML will soon be advancing blockchain technology at the European Blockchain Institute in North-Rhine Westphalia together with companies and other research institutions. Prof. Dr. Andreas Pinkwart, Minister of Economic Affairs, Innovation, Digitalization and Energy of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, handed over the official notification for 7.7 million Euros of funding to the directors of the institute.

»The project to establish the Blockchain Institute will create a unique institute in Europe at Fraunhofer IML that will push forward digitization in science and practice. Blockchain as a key technology has the potential to design data exchange in a tamper-proof way and to automate a variety of processes in the supply chain and autonomize them in future«, Prof. Michael Henke, Director at Fraunhofer IML, describes the importance of the technology. As a transparent and decentral registry for transactions, blockchains have a key role to play in the digitalization of the economy. Only with blockchains can numerous other technologies be used on a practical level.

This research at the European Blockchain Institute complements the Dortmund scientists‘ work and continues the already existing research infrastructure at this scientific location: »Blockchain technology will only come into its own in the next few years and that will be in logistics. In combination with digital platforms, artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things a new and self-organizing ›Silicon Economy‹ is developing. We are glad to have gained the European Blockchain Institute at the heart of European logistics – for that is where it belongs«, explains Prof. Michael ten Hompel, Managing Director of Fraunhofer IML.

In the years to come, scientists will work on open source solutions in terms of software, hardware and business models involving blockchains. They will develop these for and with companies of all sizes. Particularly in logistics and supply chain management, many different, economically independent partners have to work closely together even though they do not inevitably trust each other. The focus of research is therefore on open and integrated solutions that can be used by all players on the market. In this way, entire logistics chains are to be digitally connected from end to end.

»We are on the verge of a new stage in the digitization of the economy. Technologies such as blockchain, the Internet of Things or artificial intelligence are fundamentally changing business and opening up completely new opportunities for companies. The European Blockchain Institute will push forward the logistics industry in North Rhine-Westphalia in particular and will also make an important contribution beyond the borders of our state«, emphasized Dr. Andreas Pinkwart, NRW Minister of Economic Affairs, Innovation, Digitalization and Energy.

Click here for the complete Fraunhofer IML press release.

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