BLOCKCHAIN-ENABLED FRAMEWORKS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF SMART CITIES

ABSTRACT

Blockchain technology has emerged as a revolutionary agent in innovative city development by providing secure, transparent, and decentralized data management of multiple urban systems. Its application reaches various fields, including energy distribution, waste management, transportation, e-governance, and public safety. Through the use of blockchain, smart cities can provide tamper-proof records, enhance stakeholder trust, and streamline complex processes such as identity verification, land registration, and real-time utility billing. The application of blockchain within the Internet of Things (IoT) also enhances data integrity and automation within smart infrastructure. Smart contracts also facilitate the adequate provision of services and reduce administrative expenses. While specific issues are brought about by scalability, regulatory uncertainty, and high energy requirements in specific blockchain platforms, which represent potential hurdles, ongoing advancements in consensus algorithms and blockchain interconnectivity offer promising solutions. This paper presents the main applications, benefits, and drawbacks of blockchain in smart cities, as well as its potential to facilitate increased transparency, efficiency, and citizen engagement in urban governance.

KEYWORDS

Blockchain technology, Smart cities, Decentralized data management, Internet of Things (IoT)