Fiscal Year	2020
Division	Research & Sponsored Programs
Department	NPS Naval Research Program
Investigator(s)	Hale, Britta J.
Sponsor	NPS Naval Research Program (Navy)
Summary	Distributed ledger technology such as blockchain could ideally be used to solve challenges in global supply chain assurance, as it has in other applications. However, the current capabilities of blockchain do not meet the fundamental demands of supply chains. This research will address blockchain mergence, focusing on the following questions: Is it possible to merge blockchain branches, so as to ensure consensus and integrity? Is it possible and advantageous to do use such blockchains effectively? To answer these questions, this research will look at altering the hash chain input to be a Merkle Root (distinct from the transaction field). Adaptation of the consensus mechanism will also be investigated to determine how consensus can be maintained under such an adaptation. These solutions will then be cross-compared with hash chain/signature chain ledger options to ascertain the optimal strategy. This project is in two parts: PI research on blockchain mergence and a student thesis on viable logistics blockchain uses vs other distributed ledger and hash/signature chain alternatives. Deliverables include a student thesis (dependent on student timeline), IPRs and final project briefs, and an executive summary.
Keywords	Supply blockchain
Publications	Publications, theses (not shown) and data repositories will be added to the portal record when information is available in FAIRS and brought back to the portal
Data	Publications, theses (not shown) and data repositories will be added to the portal record when information is available in FAIRS and brought back to the portal