Blockchain 4 Open Science & SDGS

Abstract

Open science - namely more openness with regard to educational resources, access, methodology, reproducibility and data - is fundamental to realising the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Science is a universal public good and it can be a game-changer when addressing global problems. This is exemplified by the critical role that the production and diffusion of science (scientific outputs and process) plays in the transfer of knowledge and technology. Some examples include the need for decentralised ways to acquire, manage and analyse open data in disaster management (resilient & sustainable cities under SDG 11); or the need for new Research & Development models for innovation and knowledge & tech transfer for the production, availability and access to safe, quality and affordable medicines and vaccines (SDG 3); or the need for technologies for providing clean water & sanitation, affordable & clean energy and mitigating (the adverse effects of) climate action (SDGs 6, 7, 13 and 9). The urgent relevance of pursuing open science across scientific disciplines and various industries is further exemplified by the thus far “dormant” right to science. The right to science, as formulated under Article 15 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, provides that everyone has the right to enjoy the benefits of scientific progress and its applications and that States parties shall take steps necessary for the conservation, the development and diffusion of science.

Keywords: Open Science, Sustainable Development Goals, Right to Science, Article 15 International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, Blockchain, Knowledge Tranfer, Technology Transfer