New center will turn Denmark into a blockchain hub

Blockchain technologies will revolutionize IT systems worldwide. However the revolution comes with both opportunities and challenges in a broad range of areas. At the IT University of Copenhagen, professor Roman Beck has now established European Blockchain Center, which will ensure that Denmark is at the forefront of the field.

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Written June 15, 2017 2:01 PM by Jari Kickbusch

Denmark has the potential to become a leading country when it comes to developing and implementing blockchain-based IT systems. This is the opinion of Professor Roman Beck at IT University of Copenhagen who has taken the initiative to start the new center; European Blockchain Center. The center will be a national focal point for education and research in blockchain technologies and will contribute to making Denmark an international hub of the field.

 - In Denmark, almost all citizens are digitally integrated. They diligently use all sorts of digital solutions when handling daily tasks. At the same time, both private and public companies are digitally innovative, which together provides a good foundation for Denmark to become a ‘hub’ for blockchain innovation, says Professor Roman Beck.

 The European Blockchain Center, which globally is among the very first of its kind, will work in several areas. According to Roman Beck, the center will generate and communicate knowledge about blockchains, which will happen in collaboration with other academic institutions as well as both private and public companies. In addition to education and research activities, the center will host workshops and develop concepts and prototypes.

 - Many private and public companies are already in the process of developing blockchain-based solutions that could potentially make it easier for us to ensure that our IT systems work as intended. This creates a lot of opportunities that we must exploit in the best possible way. However, there will also be challenges, both cultural and legal. One of the reasons is that blockchains by nature are transparent. We will also approach those areas, says Roman Beck. He adds that several companies have already shown an interest in working with the Center including Nordea, who will be a partner.

 Roman Beck expects the center to officially begin its work in September 2017, and that it will consist of 10-15 junior and senior researchers during the first year.

 You can read more about the center on the website for the European Blockchain Center

 For further information:

 Professor Roman Beck, phone +49 1772468913, e-mail romb@itu.dk