JultikaUniversity of Oulu repository

Abstract

This thesis is qualitative research analyzing how blockchain can influence the business models that are for smart city services. Blockchain technology is seen as an innovation that will change the functioning of city services in the future. The study designed to see the effect of the business model on implementation of blockchain enabled smart city services. This study combines the Causal Layered Analysis and Business Model Wheel to see the influence. In doing so, this study chose to understand the futures of a tech-aided social context; the blockchain enabled smart city services.

The theoretical part of this study consists of smart city services, fundamental of blockchain technology, and business model. The literature review enabled the author to collect the data efficiently. The empirical part is based on the semi-structured interviews from the professionals from city organization and researchers on the research topic area. The author provided a discussion on different business model elements for the blockchain enabled smart city sector in Finland.

This research contributes to a holistic understanding of the business model, smart city potentials and applies blockchain in a different layer of smart city services. This paper looks at the future scenarios of the business model and discusses how blockchain can make an impact. This research also combines the foresight of future city structures and business modeling at future scenarios.

This research will also help the researchers, city managers, business development professional for understanding future cities and how innovative technology make an impact on city business model. This comprehensive study also helps future business perspective for city associated organization. The outcome of the research can be used for identifying a business opportunity and to understand the influence of technology on the business model.

This study uncovers some business model elements and its effect on short, mid, and long term future. All in all, with a solid theoretical base, high-quality empirical dataset, well-argued results, and maintaining ethical standards, this study offers a comprehensive description of the studied topic.