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As a digital public record used for recording transactions or tracking assets, blockchain technology is poised to rapidly reshape a range of industries in the years to come. Blockchain eliminates middlemen and increases trust by providing a more accurate and transparent ledger for goods moving through the global supply chain. With support from the legislature and research entities like the Arizona Blockchain Applied Research Center (AZ BARC), Arizona is on the cusp of becoming a blockchain leader.
The January 2022 episode of the Arizona Technology Council’s TechCast podcast featured blockchain experts including U.S. Representative David Schweikert, Scott Carlson, Head of Blockchain & Digital Asset Security at Kudelski Security; and Dragan Boscovic, Research Professor at Arizona State University. These leaders joined Steve Zylstra, Council president and CEO, and Bianca Buliga, Council Director of Marketing & Communications, to break down the positive benefits of leveraging blockchain technology to improve business workflows for a wide range of critical industries.
Throughout this hour-long episode, this panel of blockchain leaders explained what blockchain technologies are and the valuable purpose they can serve for technology companies. Rep. Schweikert insisted that rather than attempting to define the abstract notion of blockchain, it’s imperative to convey the potential benefits that blockchain technologies can bring to the table for high-level company executives and business owners. During his six terms in U.S. Congress, Rep. Schweikert has spearheaded several bills to provide legislative and statutory backbone to blockchain advancement.
According to Dragan Boscovic, the opportunity to expand blockchain usage is highly dependent on encouraging young people to study and research blockchain technologies. As a research professor in the School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence (SCAI), he claims that there is widespread interest in blockchain. He regularly brings in blockchain experts to give presentations and provide information on externships or apprenticeships that can provide students with the experience needed to pursue careers in blockchain.
This is part of why Boscovic and Scott Carlson are collaborating on the launch of the Arizona Blockchain Applied Research Center, a public-private partnership devoted to finding real-life applications for blockchain. In addition to Kudelski Security, corporate members include Intel, Early Warning Services, BD and Movemedical. The Partnership for Economic Innovation oversees the effort, while Arizona State University is the research partner. Kudelski’s vision for the partnership is to be action-oriented and implement actual solutions, rather than compiling more Ph.D.-level research that goes over many people’s heads.
Rep. Schweikert notes that while Arizona was an initial leader in blockchain advancement about a decade ago, the state has plateaued in more recent years while other states are gaining a more competitive edge. In order to regain its footing, Arizona leaders in public and private sectors must band together to introduce younger generations to the possibilities that blockchain generates, and ensure they are equipped to apply blockchain solutions confidently. A big thank you to each of our panelists for weighing in and sharing their expertise with our listeners!
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REP. DAVID SCHWEIKERT |
SCOTT CARLSON |
DRAGAN BOSCOVIC |
About AZTechCast
The official podcast of the Arizona Technology Council, AZTechCast is dedicated to covering innovation and technology in Arizona and beyond. Through the art of the connected conversation, AZ TechCast’s hosts and guests share success stories, tech news and analysis about the region’s leading startups, companies and emerging technologies, as well as the latest industry trends and critical issues propelling Arizona’s growing technology ecosystem. Visit www.aztechcouncil.org/techcast to learn more or to listen to recent episodes.
About Phoenix Business RadioX
Karen Nowicki is the owner and president of Phoenix Business RadioX. Amplifying the voice of business, Phoenix Business RadioX helps local businesses and professional associations get the word out about the important work they’re doing to serve their market, profession and community. A successful author, speaker and the creator of Deep Impact Leadership™ and SoulMarks Coaching™, Nowicki is a two-time recipient of the prestigious national Choice Award® for her book and personal development retreat. In addition, Nowicki has been an expert guest on regional TV and radio shows, including Fox Phoenix Morning Show, Sonoran Living, Good Morning Arizona, The Chat Room and Mid-Day Arizona. Recognized for her leadership and business acumen, she has been a regular contributor to many print and online magazines – publishing articles and blogs for business and education.
