Blockchain e transformação digital: aplicações, desafios e impactos socioeconômicos.

Abstract

Blockchain technology has established itself as one of the main innovations associated with contemporary digital transformation, standing out for its ability to decentralize records, securely validate transactions, and reduce dependence on intermediaries. Initially linked to cryptocurrencies, its application has expanded to different sectors, such as finance, public administration, supply chains, and digital identity systems. This study aimed to analyze the economic and social impacts of blockchain, discussing its applications, potentialities, and challenges. The research is characterized as qualitative, exploratory, and descriptive, developed through bibliographic and documentary review based on national and international academic publications produced between 2008 and 2025. The results show that blockchain has the potential to promote greater transparency, security, traceability, and operational efficiency, in addition to enabling new business models based on decentralization and process automation. However, the analysis also highlights challenges related to scalability, interoperability, security, regulation, and digital inclusion, factors that may limit its large-scale adoption. Furthermore, the effectiveness of this technology depends on the existence of adequate infrastructure, technical training, and the development of public policies aimed at democratizing digital access. It is concluded that blockchain has strategic relevance in the contemporary economic and social scenario, although its consolidation depends on overcoming structural and institutional challenges that ensure its sustainable and socially inclusive application.