Introducing our project partner: Alastria

Alastria, recognized as one of the largest public-permissioned, multi-sector blockchain platforms globally, boasts a diverse membership of over 500 entities, including businesses of various sizes, academic institutions, and government bodies. As a pivotal hub for knowledge generation, innovation, and blockchain development, Alastria plays a critical role in propelling the digital economy by advocating for decentralized technologies and promoting the use of blockchain.

Can you describe your specific role in the CIRCULOOS project?

In the CIRCULOOS project, Alastria provides substantial knowledge and technical expertise crucial for designing components that enhance the project’s distributed architecture, resilience, and security features. Our role is integral in ensuring that CIRCULOOS becomes more robust in handling data securely and efficiently across various networks.

How does Alastria utilize the open-source European Blockchain Services Infrastructure (EBSI) to establish a cybersecure data-sharing framework for the CIRCULOOS project?

The EBSI serves as a foundational platform that enables secure, compliant data sharing across European borders, aligning with high security standards and European regulations. Alastria integrates EBSI to create a secure environment for data exchanges within the CIRCULOOS project, safeguarding sensitive information from unauthorized access and cyber threats, thereby fostering a trustworthy digital ecosystem.

What benefits and opportunities do you foresee by employing the EBSI framework in creating a secure and transparent environment for circular manufacturing initiatives?

Utilizing the EBSI framework provides significant advantages, particularly its cross-border functionality which is essential for projects with European dimensions. This capability ensures seamless and secure data transmission across various legal jurisdictions, thereby enhancing the efficiency and transparency of circular manufacturing processes within the CIRCULOOS project.

How does Alastria ensure that the data shared via blockchain technology aligns with the project’s sustainability and resource efficiency goals?

Alastria commits to regular audits and updates of blockchain protocols, including software and node infrastructure, to maintain alignment with the CIRCULOOS project’s sustainability objectives. We also plan to establish a sophisticated monitoring system that serves as an informative platform for measuring performance and setting key performance indicators (KPIs) across different dashboards, thereby promoting transparency and accountability.

What are the challenges you anticipate facing throughout the project?

Several challenges are anticipated, including integrating diverse technological systems across multiple organizations and sectors, which may create significant interoperability issues. As the project scales, the speed and scalability of blockchain transactions may become a concern, particularly with the increasing number of partners. Additionally, balancing transparency with confidentiality in a competitive business environment poses a challenge. Ensuring cybersecurity, regulatory compliance, and maintaining information integrity will require a comprehensive approach, encompassing service level agreements (SLAs) that cover availability, viability, resiliency, and overall system integrity.