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Future Internet
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Blockchain and Web3: Applications, Challenges and Future Trends—2nd Edition
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Blockchain and Web3: Applications, Challenges and Future Trends—2nd Edition

A special issue of Future Internet (ISSN 1999-5903). This special issue belongs to the section "Internet of Things".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 April 2026 | Viewed by 29864

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Qiang Qu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
Interests: data intensive systems; blockchain; Web 3.0
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Blockchain technology continues to redefine the digital frontier, laying the foundation for trustless, decentralized infrastructures across various domains. Beyond its early adoption in finance, blockchain now enables transparent solutions in supply chain, identity management, governance, and healthcare. Additionally, Web 3.0 is revolutionizing this field by combining blockchain with decentralized storage, computation, and peer-to-peer interactions, thus enabling users to reclaim control over their data and digital assets.

A particularly notable development is the rapid expansion of Web3-native assets, including stablecoins, tokenized real-world assets (RWAs), and next-generation digital identity frameworks. Legislative movements such as the U.S. “Genius Act” further legitimize and promote stablecoin innovation, while RWA tokenization is gaining momentum in sectors such as real estate, carbon credits, and intellectual property. These innovations challenge traditional asset management models and demand new mechanisms for trust, valuation, and compliance.

Moreover, the rise of smart contracts and generative AI agents introduces both opportunities and risks. These intelligent agents—autonomous or semi-autonomous—can execute trades, manage assets, and even interact with decentralized protocols, but they also present challenges pertaining to explainability, auditability, data privacy, and regulatory oversight. In addition, core issues such as scalability, interoperability, user experience, and security remain barriers to their mainstream adoption.

This Special Issue seeks original research and critical insights that address these emerging trends in blockchain and Web 3.0. We welcome submissions that analyze the design, implementation, and socio-economic implications of decentralized systems, particularly those exploring asset tokenization, autonomous trading agents, and cross-chain ecosystems. Articles may be theoretical, empirical, or case-based, and both review and technical papers are encouraged.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • The evolution of blockchain theories and architectural frameworks.
  • Smart contract design, verification, and composability.
  • Generative AI agents in decentralized finance and governance.
  • Security, privacy, and compliance in Web 3.0 environments.
  • Performance optimization and scalability solutions.
  • The integration of blockchain with AI, the IoT, and edge computing.
  • Game-theoretic models and economic incentives in decentralized ecosystems.
  • Empirical case studies of blockchain/Web3 deployments and failures

Prof. Dr. Qiang Qu
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Future Internet is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • blockchain
  • smart contracts
  • Web3 assets
  • generative AI agents
  • decentralized finance (DeFi)
  • security and privacy
  • cryptocurrency
  • distributed consensus and networks

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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21 pages, 1457 KB  
Article
A Framework for Data Lifecycle Model Selection
by Mauro Iacono, Michele Mastroianni, Christian Riccio and Bruna Viscardi
Future Internet 2025, 17(9), 390; https://doi.org/10.3390/fi17090390 - 28 Aug 2025
Viewed by 401
Abstract
The selection of Data Lifecycle Models (DLMs) in complex data management scenarios necessitates finding a balance between quantitative and qualitative characteristics to ensure regulation, improve performance, and maintain governance requirements. In this context, an interactive web application based on AHP-Express has been developed [...] Read more.
The selection of Data Lifecycle Models (DLMs) in complex data management scenarios necessitates finding a balance between quantitative and qualitative characteristics to ensure regulation, improve performance, and maintain governance requirements. In this context, an interactive web application based on AHP-Express has been developed as a user-friendly tool to facilitate decision-making processes related to DLM. The application facilitates customized decision matrices, organizes various expert interviews with distinct weights, calculates local and global priorities, and delivers final DLM rankings by consolidating sub-criteria scores into weighted macro-category values, accompanied by graphical representations. Key functions encompass consistency checks, sensitivity analysis for macro-category weight variations, and graphical representations (bar charts, radar maps, sensitivity charts) that emphasize strengths, shortcomings, and the robustness of rankings. In a suggested application for sensor-based artifact monitoring at the Museo del Carbone, the tool swiftly selected the most appropriate DLM as the leading contender, exhibiting consistent performance across diverse weight scenarios. The results of the Museo del Carbone case validate that AHP-Express facilitates rapid, transparent, and reproducible DLM selection, reducing cognitive load while maintaining scientific rigor. The tool’s modular architecture and visualization features enable educated decision making for various data management issues. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Blockchain and Web3: Applications, Challenges and Future Trends—2nd Edition)
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24 pages, 1294 KB  
Article
Confidential Smart Contracts and Blockchain to Implement a Watermarking Protocol
by Franco Frattolillo
Future Internet 2025, 17(8), 352; https://doi.org/10.3390/fi17080352 - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 644
Abstract
Watermarking protocols represent a possible solution to the problem of digital copyright protection of content distributed on the Internet. Their implementations, however, continue to be a complex problem due to the difficulties researchers encounter in proposing secure, easy-to-use and, at the same time, [...] Read more.
Watermarking protocols represent a possible solution to the problem of digital copyright protection of content distributed on the Internet. Their implementations, however, continue to be a complex problem due to the difficulties researchers encounter in proposing secure, easy-to-use and, at the same time, “trusted third parties” (TTPs)-free solutions. In this regard, implementations based on blockchain and smart contracts are among the most advanced and promising, even if they are affected by problems regarding the performance and privacy of the information exchanged and processed by smart contracts and managed by blockchains. This paper presents a watermarking protocol implemented by smart contracts and blockchain. The protocol uses a “layer-2” blockchain execution model and performs the computation in “trusted execution environments” (TEEs). Therefore, its implementation can guarantee efficient and confidential execution without compromising ease of use or resorting to TTPs. The protocol and its implementation can, thus, be considered a valid answer to the “trilemma” that afflicts the use of blockchains, managing to guarantee decentralization, security, and scalability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Blockchain and Web3: Applications, Challenges and Future Trends—2nd Edition)
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35 pages, 550 KB  
Article
Decentralized Identity Management for Internet of Things (IoT) Devices Using IOTA Blockchain Technology
by Tamai Ramírez-Gordillo, Antonio Maciá-Lillo, Francisco A. Pujol, Nahuel García-D’Urso, Jorge Azorín-López and Higinio Mora
Future Internet 2025, 17(1), 49; https://doi.org/10.3390/fi17010049 - 20 Jan 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4446
Abstract
The exponential growth of the Internet of Things (IoT) necessitates robust, scalable, and secure identity management solutions to handle the vast number of interconnected devices. Traditional centralized identity systems are increasingly inadequate due to their vulnerabilities, such as single points of failure, scalability [...] Read more.
The exponential growth of the Internet of Things (IoT) necessitates robust, scalable, and secure identity management solutions to handle the vast number of interconnected devices. Traditional centralized identity systems are increasingly inadequate due to their vulnerabilities, such as single points of failure, scalability issues, and limited user control over data. This study explores a decentralized identity management model leveraging the IOTA Tangle, a Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG)-based distributed ledger technology, to address these challenges. By integrating Decentralized Identifiers (DIDs), Verifiable Credentials (VCs), and IOTA-specific technologies like IOTA Identity, IOTA Streams, and IOTA Stronghold, we propose a proof-of-concept framework that enhances security, scalability, and privacy in IoT ecosystems. Our implementation on resource-constrained IoT devices demonstrates the feasibility of this approach, highlighting significant improvements in transaction efficiency, real-time data exchange, and cryptographic key management. Furthermore, this research aligns with Web 3.0 principles, emphasizing decentralization, user autonomy, and data sovereignty. The findings suggest that IOTA-based solutions can effectively advance secure and user-centric identity management in IoT, paving the way for broader applications in various domains, including smart cities and healthcare. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Blockchain and Web3: Applications, Challenges and Future Trends—2nd Edition)
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29 pages, 1043 KB  
Article
Exploiting Blockchain Technology for Enhancing Digital Twins’ Security and Transparency
by Alessio Ferone and Stefano Verrilli
Future Internet 2025, 17(1), 31; https://doi.org/10.3390/fi17010031 - 13 Jan 2025
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3021
Abstract
Blockchain technology has been applied in a wide range of domains and has seen major developments in the last years, notably when integrated with other emerging technologies. In this paper, we focus on the integration of blockchain and digital twins with the aim [...] Read more.
Blockchain technology has been applied in a wide range of domains and has seen major developments in the last years, notably when integrated with other emerging technologies. In this paper, we focus on the integration of blockchain and digital twins with the aim of enhancing the capabilities of both technologies. In particular, we demonstrate how blockchain can improve critical aspects of the security and transparency of digital twins by analyzing a real-world scenario and evaluating produced experimental data. This research identifies and addresses critical vulnerabilities in digital twins, particularly data integrity and transparency, through blockchain-based validation mechanisms and smart-contract integration. Various blockchain-related and digital twin-related technologies are employed to enable the repeatability of the suggested approach. Additionally, an in-depth analysis of such integration is provided to facilitate a symbiotic relationship between these technologies by addressing key challenges, such as scalability, interoperability, and performance, along with viable solutions that could advance their co-evolution in both academic research and industrial applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Blockchain and Web3: Applications, Challenges and Future Trends—2nd Edition)
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27 pages, 17452 KB  
Article
Decentralizing Democracy: Secure and Transparent E-Voting Systems with Blockchain Technology in the Context of Palestine
by Eman Daraghmi, Ahmed Hamoudi and Mamoun Abu Helou
Future Internet 2024, 16(11), 388; https://doi.org/10.3390/fi16110388 - 23 Oct 2024
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 6170
Abstract
Elections and voting play a crucial role in the development of a democratic society, enabling the public to express their views and participate in the decision-making process. Voting methods have evolved from paper ballot systems to e-voting systems to preserve the integrity of [...] Read more.
Elections and voting play a crucial role in the development of a democratic society, enabling the public to express their views and participate in the decision-making process. Voting methods have evolved from paper ballot systems to e-voting systems to preserve the integrity of votes, ensuring a secure, transparent, and verifiable process. Continuous efforts have been made to develop a secure e-voting system that eliminates fraud attempts and provides accurate voting results. In this paper, we propose the architecture of a blockchain-based e-voting system called VoteChain. Developed to support the existing voting system in the state of Palestine, VoteChain aims to provide secure e-voting with features such as auditability, verifiability, accuracy, privacy, flexibility, transparency, mobility, availability, convenience, data integrity, and distribution of authority. The work introduces a smart contract designed to meet the demands of e-voting, governing transactions, monitoring computations, enforcing acceptable usage policies, and managing data usage after transmission. The proposed system also adopts advanced cryptographic techniques to enhance security. VoteChain features a web-based interface to facilitate user interaction, providing protection against multiple or double voting to ensure the integrity of the election. Furthermore, VoteChain is designed with a user-friendly and easily accessible administrator interface for managing voters, constituencies, and candidates. It ensures equal participation rights for all voters, fostering fair and healthy competition among candidates while preserving voter anonymity. A comparative analysis demonstrates VoteChain’s advancements in privacy, security, and scalability over both traditional and blockchain-based e-voting systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Blockchain and Web3: Applications, Challenges and Future Trends—2nd Edition)
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Review

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30 pages, 3400 KB  
Review
AI Agents Meet Blockchain: A Survey on Secure and Scalable Collaboration for Multi-Agents
by Md Monjurul Karim, Dong Hoang Van, Sangeen Khan, Qiang Qu and Yaroslav Kholodov
Future Internet 2025, 17(2), 57; https://doi.org/10.3390/fi17020057 - 2 Feb 2025
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 8194
Abstract
In recent years, the interplay between AI agents and blockchain has enabled secure and scalable collaboration among multi-agent systems, promoting unprecedented levels of autonomy and interoperability. AI agents play a vital role in facilitating complex decision making and improving operational efficiency in blockchain [...] Read more.
In recent years, the interplay between AI agents and blockchain has enabled secure and scalable collaboration among multi-agent systems, promoting unprecedented levels of autonomy and interoperability. AI agents play a vital role in facilitating complex decision making and improving operational efficiency in blockchain systems. This collaborative synergy is particularly evident in how multi-agent systems collectively tackle complex tasks to ensure seamless integration within these frameworks. While significant efforts have been made to integrate AI agents and blockchain, most studies overlook the broader potential of AI agents in addressing challenges such as interoperability, scalability, and privacy issues. In this paper, we bridge these gaps by illustrating the interplay between AI agents and blockchain. Specifically, we explore how AI agents enhance decentralized systems and examine blockchain’s role in enabling secure and scalable collaboration. Furthermore, we categorize practical applications across domains, such as Web3, decentralized finance (DeFi), asset management, and autonomous systems, providing practical insights and real-world use cases. Additionally, we identify key research challenges, including the complexities of multi-agent coordination, interoperability across diverse systems, and privacy maintenance in decentralized frameworks. Finally, we offer future directions in terms of governance, sovereignty, computation, and interpretability to promote a secure and responsible ecosystem. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Blockchain and Web3: Applications, Challenges and Future Trends—2nd Edition)
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16 pages, 456 KB  
Review
A Survey on Data Availability in Layer 2 Blockchain Rollups: Open Challenges and Future Improvements
by Muhammad Bin Saif, Sara Migliorini and Fausto Spoto
Future Internet 2024, 16(9), 315; https://doi.org/10.3390/fi16090315 - 29 Aug 2024
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 5497
Abstract
Layer 2 solutions have emerged in recent years as a valuable alternative to increase the throughput and scalability of blockchain-based architectures. The three primary types of Layer 2 solutions are state channels, sidechains, and rollups. The rollups are particularly promising, allowing significant improvements [...] Read more.
Layer 2 solutions have emerged in recent years as a valuable alternative to increase the throughput and scalability of blockchain-based architectures. The three primary types of Layer 2 solutions are state channels, sidechains, and rollups. The rollups are particularly promising, allowing significant improvements in transaction throughput, security, and efficiency, and have been adopted by many real-world projects, such as Polygon and Optimistic. However, the adoption of Layer 2 solutions has led to other challenges, such as the data availability problem, where transaction data processed off-chain must be posted back on the main chain. This is crucial to prevent data withholding attacks and ensure all participants can independently verify the blockchain state. This paper provides a comprehensive survey of existing rollup-based Layer 2 solutions with a focus on the data availability problem and discusses the major advantages and disadvantages of them. Finally, an analysis of open challenges and future research directions is provided. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Blockchain and Web3: Applications, Challenges and Future Trends—2nd Edition)
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