Design principles for a blockchain-based multi-sided platform for the sustainable trade of water: An affordance approach
Buyssens, Hanna Viaene, Stijn
Buyssens, Hanna
Viaene, Stijn
Citations
Altmetric:
Publication Type
Journal article with impact factor
Editor
Supervisor
Publication Year
2024
Journal
Journal of Cleaner Production
Book
Publication Volume
471
Publication Issue
September
Publication Begin page
Publication End page
Publication NUmber of pages
Collections
Abstract
Water scarcity has become a critical challenge affecting the well-being of many communities worldwide and has been incorporated as one of the focal points within the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 6). Digital technologies, such as blockchain technology, have shown promising potential to help tackle this issue through smart distribution of water abundancies to water-scarce regions. This research employs affordance theory and affordance-based design (ABD) to investigate the design of blockchain or distributed ledger technology (DLT) to tackle challenges related to water scarcity. Using design science research (DSR), this paper proposes design principles (DP) for a blockchain-based multi-sided platform (MSP) for the smart distribution and trade of water. To obtain our principles, we collaborated with a company employing a blockchain-based MSP for water trade. We identified the different elements of the DPs, including affordances and material properties, and matched these principles with meta-requirements obtained from the literature. This research aims to contribute to the scholarly debate by generating prescriptive knowledge in the form of DPs and providing tangible contributions that shed light on the optimal design of similar blockchain applications. These applications are envisioned to ensure their efficacy in addressing the pressing challenges of water scarcity and equitable water access, thereby fostering a sustainable and resilient future for everyone.
Research Projects
Organizational Units
Journal Issue
Keywords
Blockchain, Affordances, Sustainability, Water Equity, Design Science Research