
NEXT project recently announced its collaboration with another European project, SEEBLOCKS (seeblocks.eu). SEEBLOCKS.eu aims at delivering a targeted initiative to support European interests in standardisation in the Blockchain/ DLT domain and bridging the gap between the Research, Academia and Standardisation Communities, ultimately sustaining capacity building of blockchain experts to funnel innovations into standards activities.
Blockchain technology is rapidly becoming a cornerstone of digital innovation, with applications spanning finance, supply chain, healthcare, and beyond. However, the true potential of blockchain can only be unlocked through effective standardization, which ensures interoperability, security, and reliability across different platforms and use cases. Standardization helps create a common language for developers, businesses, and regulators, enabling seamless integration and fostering trust in blockchain systems.
Supporting education in Blockchain/DLT with a specific focus on the standardisation aspect while also raising awareness about this field is one of the goals of SEEBLOCKS. For this purpose, the project created several tools and materials such as Blockchain/DLT standardisation landscape reports (these can be found here: https://seeblocks.eu/blockchain-dlt-landscape-gaps-analysis) and the Standardisation Visualisation Tool (https://seeblocks.eu/visualisation-tool). These have the potential to:
- Build Foundational Knowledge: By cataloging the state of blockchain standards, the landscape reports provide a comprehensive foundation for individuals new to the technology.
- Encourage Lifelong Learning: As blockchain standards evolve, the reports encourage professionals to continually update their knowledge and stay relevant in the field.
- Support Academic-Industry Collaboration: the materials can act as a bridge, helping academic institutions align their research efforts with industry needs.
- Raise Public Awareness: Educating the general public about blockchain standards builds trust and encourages societal acceptance of the technology.
Our own NEXT project is a forward-thinking EU initiative aimed at closing the digital skills gap for professionals across diverse industries outside the IT domain. The NEXT Project is committed to equipping specialists with essential knowledge in emerging technologies such as Blockchain, while also fostering a well-rounded understanding of digital transformation, mental health in the workplace, and the legal dimensions of technology adoption.
Blockchain is the common denominator of the two projects, but the projects are also sharing a common vision for the future, namely, fostering a resilient and future-ready workforce. By combining SEEBLOCKS’ expertise in blockchain and standardization with NEXT’s innovative approach to digital skills training, we are creating a comprehensive learning experience in the context of the NEXT Blockchain course that equips professionals to thrive in the digital age.
Together, we aim to amplify the impact of our initiatives through shared communication efforts and resource integration, promoting awareness and adoption of blockchain and digital standards across industries. This partnership not only addresses the current digital skills gap but also lays the groundwork for sustainable growth and innovation in the future digital landscape.