An enterprise framework for blockchain interoperability

Abstract

Achieving blockchain interoperability is a complex process for many organisations seeking to use the technology to augment business processes. The novelty of blockchain technology introduces new challenges that cannot be effectively addressed with contemporary interoperability approaches, and blockchain-centric interoperability tools, methods, and frameworks that support organisations are scarce. Therefore, there is a need for blockchain-specific frameworks and solutions to be developed. This study addresses this gap by exploring blockchain interoperability from an enterprise perspective. The study adopted the design science research approach and was informed by multiple data collection points, including systematic literature reviews, qualitative interviews with blockchain experts, and industry webinars. The research, underpinned by the General Systems Theory, developed and evaluated a blockchain interoperability framework within the context of the banking industry. The results emphasised the importance of a clear blockchain use case, understanding the goal for adopting blockchain, and defining the scope of interoperability, understanding systems, data, and compliance with regulatory frameworks as key elements that inform the blockchain interoperability approach. The study makes a theoretical and practical contribution through the comprehensive Enterprise Blockchain Interoperability (EBI) framework and guidelines. The EBI framework can be used as a guide and reference point for blockchain practitioners and organisations to guide the decisions regarding the process of interoperating blockchain technology with existing organisational processes and systems. The EBI framework and design guidelines were evaluated and validated by blockchain experts, pointing to their utility for enterprises that are considering integrating blockchain systems.