US Logistics Agency Launches Blockchain Sector Mapping Tool

The U.S. government's Emerging Citizen Technology program announced a new open-source Atlas to provide resources on blockchain technology.

AccessTimeIconOct 27, 2017 at 3:30 p.m. UTC
Updated Sep 13, 2021 at 7:05 a.m. UTC
10 Years of Decentralizing the Future
May 29-31, 2024 - Austin, TexasThe biggest and most established global hub for everything crypto, blockchain and Web3.Register Now

The U.S. government agency in charge of logistics is taking the next step in its effort to better understand blockchain.

Through its Emerging Citizen Technology (ECT) program, a blockchain analysis effort first announced in September, the General Services Administration (GSA) this week opened to contributions from industry members, according to a post on its website.

These contributions will now be compiled into an open-source tool called Atlas, which will include "programs, use cases and resources" created by the private sector and researchers working within government agencies.

The ECT is meant to serve as a resource that clarifies the potential uses of blockchain technology, both for the U.S. government and for the general public, the ultimate goal being "to test, evaluate, and build these next-generation services."

Justin Herman, the program’s head, told CoinDesk the effort was formed because new technologies, including blockchain and artificial intelligence, change more quickly than organizations can keep up with.

In an email, he said:

"Having a resource in the form of this Atlas is critical for federal agencies and the American people to identify opportunities to work together and avoid costly and time consuming pitfalls."

Herman previously told CoinDesk that he wanted the ECT program to close the divide between the government's interest in blockchain technology and its applications and knowledge that companies working with the tech already have.

As such, the program will update its Atlas every week, adding use cases, research updates and information on current projects being studied. The Atlas will also include resources "that anyone can use for evaluation, testing, and potential adoption," according to the website.

Herman concluded: "This is only the beginning of the process to map out all of the critical work in testing, piloting and advancing our emerging technologies."

Maps image via Shutterstock

Disclosure

Please note that our privacy policy, terms of use, cookies, and do not sell my personal information has been updated.

CoinDesk is an award-winning media outlet that covers the cryptocurrency industry. Its journalists abide by a strict set of editorial policies. In November 2023, CoinDesk was acquired by the Bullish group, owner of Bullish, a regulated, digital assets exchange. The Bullish group is majority-owned by Block.one; both companies have interests in a variety of blockchain and digital asset businesses and significant holdings of digital assets, including bitcoin. CoinDesk operates as an independent subsidiary with an editorial committee to protect journalistic independence. CoinDesk employees, including journalists, may receive options in the Bullish group as part of their compensation.


Learn more about Consensus 2024, CoinDesk's longest-running and most influential event that brings together all sides of crypto, blockchain and Web3. Head to consensus.coindesk.com to register and buy your pass now.