Exploring the Role of Blockchain in the Future of Car Sharing: A Designed Artifact of a Car Sharing Platform on the Foundation of Blockchain and IoT Integration

Abstract

Notably, there is a growing interest of OEMs in car sharing representing an environment-friendly alternative to the traditional owned vehicle. At the same time, blockchain is seen as the digital universal weapon that is deemed to transform the automotive industry. Motivated by these two trends, this thesis aims to explore how blockchain can drive the advancement of car sharing. Along these lines, based on key design principles, an artifact is designed, comprising a conceptual design and high-level architecture of a platform combining car sharing and leasing on the foundation of a blockchain and IoT integration. While the domain blockchain for car sharing has attracted some research interest, so far, most publications have focused on either the technical implementation or the socio-behavioral aspects of blockchain in car sharing without assessing the greater impact on the industry. In addition, the domains of car sharing and leasing, in combination with blockchain, are researched mainly separately. The study aims to fill this gap by following the Design Science Research strategy for the development of a blockchain-based platform streamlining car sharing and leasing processes while demonstrating the applicability of an IoT and blockchain integration. Thus, both, the technical implementation and the business impact, are evaluated from the perspective of OEMs, a P2P car sharing provider, and municipality. This thesis can confirm that blockchain, as one possible technology, can advance car sharing by facilitating inter-company collaboration and eliminating the need for trust to some extent. Nevertheless, the design of the respective platform depends on the right balance between the key design principles - security & privacy, authenticity, traceability & reliability, scalability, and interoperability.