Blockchain-enabled government efficiency and impartiality: using blockchain for targeted poverty alleviation in a city in China

Abstract

Blockchain technology has unique characteristics that make it a powerful application for transforming government processes and improving the management of public benefits. In this paper, we propose that a blockchain-enabled government can achieve higher levels of efficiency and impartiality compared to traditional and general digital government. These improvements can be achieved through blockchain’s impact on the accuracy, coordination, trust, and transparency of information-based processes. Propositions are examined using a blockchain-enabled program of targeted poverty alleviation in a major metropolitan city in China. An analysis of data from semi-structured interviews and public documents indicates that the blockchain-enabled government process, through the technology’s coordination and accuracy features, can improve the efficiency of targeted poverty alleviation work in the local government. In addition, we find that impartiality of a government program is improved through the transparency and trust that is enabled by the application of blockchain technology.