The burgeoning autonomous community of Catalonia has been struggling for political freedom from Spain for years. Now, according to Jordi Puignero, Minister of Digital Policies and Public Administration, Catalonia is also angling for digital independence. “Just as the internet brought us universal connectivity, blockchain technology will bring us new universal governance. It will affect the administration of the govt. and thus will affect the economy. On the other hand, it will affect one thing which is very crucial in our society: trust,” he said. He comments that “Trust is what moves economic transactions. And it’s what moves the relationship between the citizens and their government.”

Again, Puignero said that blockchain technology provides an opportunity for Catalonia to establish a model of self-sovereign identity.

“That’s actually one of the projects we’re launching in Catalonia, which is to have a self-sovereign and digital identity because we believe that it’s very important that the monopoly of identity is not exclusive to the state,” he said. “We want to give power to the citizens or empower the citizens in a way in which they can handle better the privacy of their data. It’s also good for them to prevent the Big Brother concept. We don’t want our citizens to feel like they’re living in Big Brother state.” He adds to his comments.

Next Goal is to Make Catalonia a High-Tech Hub Using Blockchain

“Obviously, we’re not an independent state, so we are limited by some of the things which we would like to have, the tools to be able to provide,” Puignero said. Adding to his comments, he says “We are working together with the technological centers and the universities trying to change our education system in order that in 10 years time.” This will make citizens of Catalonia more competent in terms of technical skills. We have help in attracting, curating, and retaining the talent in Catalonia. He said.