The ASEAN blockchain roadmap

Abstract

Although blockchain technology is disruptive, revolutionary, and foundational, its application across different countries with varying levels of socio/economic development is uneven. Accordingly, this paper examines blockchain technology in ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations). With its sizeable populations and economic diversity, ASEAN provides a suitable staging ground for examining the factors that facilitate or impede blockchain technology. This paper discusses the preconditions for blockchain adoption, enabling factors relating to regulatory policies, and illustrative cases depicting new blockchain solutions or improvements over current practices. Based on these narratives, a six-step roadmap delineates the need for regulatory clarity, the balance between public versus private policies, and pathways for securing competitive strategies and organizational advantages.