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Case Study

Blockchain in Local Government Policy Research

An evidence-based study identifying the skills, workforce needs, and opportunities required to enable Scotland’s transition to zero-emission aviation and aerospace.

PROJECT BACKGROUND

The study built on work undertaken by partners – specifically SEStran – in the (now closed) EU Interreg North Sea Region Blockchain In Government (BLING) project established in 2018. SEStran’s role in BLING focused on developing practical transport applications using distributed ledger technologies (DLTs) such as blockchain. Optimat was commissioned to identify and evaluate opportunities and challenges to the wider implementation of blockchain, smart contracts, and DLT more broadly in local government within the Scottish policy landscape, with a particular focus on the impact on transport.

AIMS & OBJECTIVES

An overview/review of exemplar blockchain technology projects that are currently active in the UK (research, commercial, or public sector) with demonstrable examples of the implementation of blockchain technology that have resulted in a policy approach change
Identify current academic thought in relation to the possible application of blockchain technology in or to improve the transport sector
Develop a research position on blockchain technology’s place within the hierarchy of disruptive technologies
Present opportunities for immediate applications within the South East of Scotland through the use of small scale pilots or wider adoption

An overview/review of exemplar blockchain technology projects that are currently active in the UK (research, commercial, or public sector) with demonstrable examples of the implementation of blockchain technology that have resulted in a policy approach change
Identify current academic thought in relation to the possible application of blockchain technology in or to improve the transport sector
Develop a research position on blockchain technology’s place within the hierarchy of disruptive technologies
Present opportunities for immediate applications within the South East of Scotland through the use of small scale pilots or wider adoption




OUR APPROACH

This study included desk-based research to understand the landscape of blockchain research projects taking place across Europe, with a particular focus on transport-related implementations of blockchain or other distributed ledger technologies.

A review of BLING partner research and activities was the undertaken, followed by a programme of stakeholder interviews to capture a robust cross-section of views on the opportunities/challenges to the wider implementation of blockchain in local government.

A stakeholder event was held to present BLING project findings and discuss the opportunities and challenges of implementing blockchain in Scotland’s local government, particularly within the transport sector.

DELIVERY TEAM

Ashley Stewart
Director & Senior Consultant
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Jordan Stodart
Senior Consultant
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Iain Weir
Senior Consultant
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OUTPUTS AND IMPACTS

Key insights emerging from the research include:

  • ‘Transport’ and ‘Government’ have experienced lower rates of blockchain adoption in Scotland and the UK compared to a number of other sectors, e.g., financial services, healthcare, software.
  • Despite a number of use case examples existing (see table above), there is limited evidence of implementation taking place (out-with a research context).
  • Other novel technologies – e.g., AI, IoT, Big Data, Automation and Robotics – were generally better understood by stakeholders, a result of being further along the adoption curve compared to blockchain and requiring less of a ‘technology leap’.
  • Innovation is enhanced by the simultaneous implementation of novel technologies, e.g., blockchain and AI.
  • While government will adopt proven technologies, it is generally risk averse and is therefore less likely to push for uptake of relatively new technologies such as blockchain.
  • Digital literacy needs to be improved across local government to enable blockchain adoption.
  • Blockchain implementation needs a governed process, ideally starting with small projects before scaling up to minimise risk.
  • A supportive environment for innovation is key to enabling large scale blockchain projects.

Find out more about blockchain in Scotland in the BLING project’s ‘The Blockchain Book: How Blockchain is Enabling the Next Generation of Government Services’ where you can also find out more about the BLING project and the lessons learned during the four-year project.

Dr Ashley Stewart

Director & Senior Consultant

I’m Ashley, a Director and Senior Consultant at Optimat. I specialise in digital and data technologies, from AI and Automation to Space, Immersive and Geospatial, helping to advance Scotland’s wider enabling technologies.  I support the growth of high-innovation sectors where Scotland has the potential to lead globally.

For over 15 years at Optimat, I’ve helped industries, organisations and governments use digital and emerging technologies to unlock growth and sharpen their competitiveness. Recent work has focused on AI, building a clearer picture of Scotland’s capabilities and adoption opportunities, and on Space, where I’ve delivered insights that shape strategies for industry growth, Net Zero pathways and new infrastructure, such as spaceports. Across the full breadth of digital and emerging technologies, my role is about turning evidence into action and ensuring Scotland stays globally competitive as technologies and industries evolve.

Another core area of expertise is cluster development and strategy. I established, and now lead, Location Data Scotland, building it from the ground up into a vibrant geospatial community. Beyond geospatial, I’ve developed roadmaps and action plans across digital technologies, advanced manufacturing and materials, and aerospace. This combines market and technology analysis with stakeholder engagement to map assets, identify opportunities and design interventions that support innovation and competitiveness.

Before joining Optimat, I worked as a Research Technologist in academia, gaining insight into how technologies move from research to real-world application. That experience, combined with two decades in consultancy, enables me to bridge research, policy and industry to help clients make smarter, evidence-based decisions. I hold a BA in Marketing, an MSc in IT & Web Development, and a PhD in Technology Enhanced Learning & Communities of Practice.

Jordan Stodart

Senior Consultant

I’m Jordan, a Senior Consultant at Optimat. I specialise in digital and data technologies, especially novel and emerging fields such as AI, IoT, immersive tech, and quantum computing. I support the development of high-growth, high-innovation sectors by delivering studies that make a meaningful impact and help shape industries now and in the future.

I’m very passionate about helping industries navigate change by identifying challenges, uncovering opportunities and designing strategies that address both. This often involves leveraging cutting-edge technologies to improve efficiency, productivity and competitiveness.

In recent years, I’ve built a strong understanding of the innovation landscape by mapping sector ecosystems, assessing R&D funding bids, contributing to European RD&I consortia, and ultimately delivering a wide range of sector studies in key growth sectors such as digital/data, low carbon and net zero, high value manufacturing, the built environment, and more.

Before joining Optimat, I co-founded a digital tech start-up, an experience that grounded me in the everyday realities of running a business. That perspective has been especially useful in an employee-owned company like Optimat, where everyone helps shape the direction of the business.

I hold an MA (Hons) English Literature and an MLitt (Masters) degree from the University of Glasgow, where I mentor students on the MSc FinTech programme. I also support Scotland’s future entrepreneurs through Young Enterprise’s Company Connect programme where I also provide mentorship.

Iain Weir

Senior Consultant

I’m Iain Weir, formerly Managing Director of Optimat.  I joined Optimat in 1990 and now have over 35 years’ experience of strategy, innovation and economic development consultancy. I am now working part-time as a senior consultant as a stepping stone to retirement in the future.

During my time at Optimat, I’ve worked to support company growth, innovation and economic development across a range of sectors, and I enjoy working with clients to turn data and insight into meaningful action.  I’m proud to have had an integral role over that time in developing Optimat into an internationally recognised strategy consultancy.

One of my key areas of expertise is the development of the low carbon economy, a topic of increasing importance for today’s industries.  I think this is a challenging area for industry and the public sector to address as there can be several solutions offered to reduce carbon impacts, often without a strong evidence base to support their use. I enjoy pursuing an evidence-based analyses of these options to provide valuable insights to stakeholders.

Before joining Optimat, I worked in research and development in the electro-optic materials sector, developing and marketing innovative high-tech materials for a range of applications.  This industrial experience has strongly influenced my approach to assisting companies with their innovation activities.

I hold a BSc (1st class Hons) in Chemistry, a PhD in Chemistry, and an MBA.  I think this strong scientific background has enabled me to pursue an evidence-based and analytical approach to consultancy.