| dc.description.abstract | Technology is allowing more people to partake in the sharing economy. At the same time, the internet of things is coming closer to become a reality. The blockchain has shown
that decentralized payment is possible without trust. Moreover, researchers suggest that blockchain and IoT is a good match and that the sharing economy can make use of blockchain based systems. Current blockchain based sharing economy platforms does not include data in price calculations.
This thesis reviews the top ten most valuable blockchain protocols, to further develop a decentralized blockchain-based sharing economy platform. In addition, a user test and an evaluation of the platform is conducted to investigate the following research questions:
In a sharing economy platform for item sharing:
Research question 1: How can data be used in a decentralized sharing economy platform to determine an accurate and fair price for both the renter and the lender?
Research question 2: How could such system provide real-time decentralized payment through a blockchain technology?
Research question 3: How can real-time transactions with data provide real-time information to a lender about the condition of its items?
Research question 4: How can data be stored on a blockchain to provide manufacturers of items information about how their items are being used?
The thesis demonstrates that it is possible to create and use a blockchain based sharing economy platform that makes use of the power of IoT and data, along with smart contracts and the blockchain data structure. Also, this platform makes it possible to rent and lend items, and receive payment based on how the renter used an item during the rental period. This data is further used to supply the renter of the item with real-time information about the condition and whereabouts, while it is being rented. Also, the platform allows for third parties to purchase the data generated by the users of the platform, to improve their products. | |
