Lack of use cases, too few experts and legal uncertainties: German businesses are still hesitant to use blockchain in their own companies, according to a recent Bitkom study.
The study reveals little enthusiasm in German business for this relatively new technology: Six out of ten of the more than 1,000 companies surveyed by the IT industry association have not yet addressed the topic at all. Just one in eight companies considers itself open-minded. And at least one in eleven companies is critical or opposed to blockchain. Just 2 percent of respondents are currently discussing its use, 4 percent are in the planning or testing phase, and another 2 percent already have projects underway.
The picture is somewhat different for large companies with at least 500 employees. More than half of the respondents have already considered using blockchain: one in nine companies is discussing it, one in four is in the planning or testing phase, and at least 17 percent report that projects are already underway.
Startups should facilitate blockchain adoption
The biggest obstacle for 88 percent is a lack of use cases. Just as many complain about a lack of skilled personnel, and 72 percent see legal uncertainties as a problem. To facilitate entry into blockchain, the Bitkom President recommends Achim Berg cooperation with young companies:
"Companies should seek collaboration with startups on blockchain, which are often at the forefront of technology development. Medium-sized companies, in particular, should take advantage of their opportunities here."
So far, however, only 8 percent of respondents are cooperating with startups on this topic.
“Tokens must be allowed to have the same function as paper certificates”
To ensure Germany becomes a pioneer in blockchain applications, Berg calls for the technology to be taught in training and university courses. He also calls for funding programs that also benefit startups and small businesses.
Bitkom is calling on the federal, state, and local governments to implement corresponding pilot projects in public administration, for example, for public registers. In addition, the legal framework must be adapted, says Berg:
“A token must be able to function as a digital mechanism in the same way as a paper document.”
