On the Convergence of Artificial Intelligence and Distributed Ledger\n Technology: A Scoping Review and Future Research Agenda

Abstract

Developments in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Distributed Ledger\nTechnology (DLT) currently lead to lively debates in academia and practice. AI\nprocesses data to perform tasks that were previously thought possible only for\nhumans. DLT has the potential to create consensus over data among a group of\nparticipants in uncertain environments. In recent research, both technologies\nare used in similar and even the same systems. Examples include the design of\nsecure distributed ledgers or the creation of allied learning systems\ndistributed across multiple nodes. This can lead to technological convergence,\nwhich in the past, has paved the way for major innovations in information\ntechnology. Previous work highlights several potential benefits of the\nconvergence of AI and DLT but only provides a limited theoretical framework to\ndescribe upcoming real-world integration cases of both technologies. We aim to\ncontribute by conducting a systematic literature review on previous work and\nproviding rigorously derived future research opportunities. This work helps\nresearchers active in AI or DLT to overcome current limitations in their field,\nand practitioners to develop systems along with the convergence of both\ntechnologies.\n