Moderating the Hype: does the "Blockchain for HSCM" narrative reflect reality?

We tend to get caught up in the hype surrounding new technologies. Blockchain has been no different. The technology underlying cryptocurrencies, blockchain has been increasingly explored for humanitarian supply chain management (HSCM).

As many of these “blockchain-for-HSCM” advocates draw from the budding successes of commercial projects, it is critical to consider the extent to which such narratives not only acknowledge the fundamental differences between commercial and humanitarian SCM, but reflect the realities of post-disaster logistics.

This analysis is necessary if we are to learn from past failures and pursue ethical, sustainable, and suitable blockchain applications in the humanitarian sector.