Blockchains for raw materials traceability: Dynamic identities in refinement-based value chains

Purpose and goal

The project has developed a more flexible identity solution suitable for traceability in complex refinement heavy manufacturing chains. The solution is based on the identity model developed in ISO/TC 307 WG2 and enables creating a traceable product story where traceability data is closely coupled with the manufactured product. To enable data analysis and insight sharing while protecting sensitive data, the project has developed several POCs relying on privacy enhancing technologies and homomorphic encryption. Provenance data can now be securely analyzed and passed on.

Expected results and effects

The project has demonstrated the possibility to link together different identity types (as specified by ISO/TC 307 WG2) using IPFS (the InterPlanetary File System). The project has demonstrated also that actors can rely on different types of oracles for computation and analysis purposes using encrypted data stored on IPFS. These oracles can then communicate the results of their computation to any blockchain. The findings have been presented at a peer reviewed IEEE conference and been implemented in Circulor´s existing traceability platform.

Planned approach and implementation

The project execution was planned in five stages. The activities specified in these stages had to be adjusted due to COVID-19. All stages related to the development of the dynamic identity concept and privacy preserving data analysis were completed, presented at an IEEE conference, and integrated into Circulor´s market offering (the project made use of another mapping study than the planned one as input for concept development). Implementation did not take place due to project delays at Volvo, which also delayed risk assessment work.