We can expect that technological advancements will continue to transform many aspects of our lives. How can blockchain technology or artificial intelligence be of use of the Social Economy and ethical finance?

Both technologies have seen their cycles of hype and decline in the past.

Even if blockchain technology is primarily known for cryptocurrencies, its decentralised, secure and transparent nature makes it ideal for a range of applications in the finance sector but also the wider social economy based on smart contracts.

Artificial intelligence is a concept which enables machines to learn from data and experience, and perform tasks that traditionally required human intelligence. It currently receives a lot of attention around the large language models and image creators. However, finance is a natural fit as it involves numerous variables and either risk or return as an outcome.

This workshop is designed to explore the potential of blockchain and AI in contributing to the growth of ethical finance and the social economy. The session will include a real-life case study from a FEBEA member that demonstrates how blockchain technology is being used in the social economy. The case study will provide insights into the practical application of blockchain in promoting transparency, accountability, and trust in social enterprises.