BlockChain Technology and Smart Contracts to share information

Blockchain technology has emerged as a transformative tool for industries seeking enhanced transparency, security, and trust in multi-party transactions. Beyond its origins in cryptocurrencies, blockchain (particularly through smart contracts) enables automated, tamper-resistant agreements that minimize the need for central intermediaries. However, practical integration of blockchain into enterprise environments poses challenges related to scalability, regulatory compliance, data privacy, and interoperability with legacy systems. This thesis focuses on Hyperledger Fabric, a leading permissioned blockchain framework designed to meet the stringent requirements of industrial applications. We provide a systematic analysis of Fabric’s architecture, emphasizing its modular structure, robust identity management, and support for customizable smart contracts (chaincode). Through detailed case studies in railcar sharing and shared procurement, we investigate how Fabric can improve operational efficiency, data integrity, and auditability while enabling secure information sharing among stakeholders. Experimental evaluation demonstrates that Hyperledger Fabric achieves strong performance and resilience, satisfying the compliance and confidentiality standards necessary for regulated sectors. We also address the technical and organisational barriers industries face during blockchain adoption and propose practical risk mitigation strategies. Finally, the thesis concludes by examining the economic and regulatory implications of permissioned blockchains, suggesting pathways for future research and industrial innovation.