P.A. and Web3: A Possible Match?

Introduction

In recent years, Public Administration (P.A.) has been at the heart of a major digital transformation. However, the advent of Web3 — the so-called “internet of ownership” — could mark a decisive paradigm shift. But the question remains: can Public Administration truly integrate with the decentralized philosophy of Web3? And above all, what benefits, risks, and challenges does this union entail? In this article, we explore the potential, concrete use cases, and future perspectives of a meeting that could revolutionize the relationship between citizens and institutions.

Public Administration and Web3: Contrasting Visions

Public Administration traditionally operates through a centralized, hierarchical, and regulated model. Data is managed by public bodies, stored in proprietary databases, and subject to complex bureaucratic processes.
Web3, on the other hand, relies on technologies like blockchain, smart contracts, and tokenization, which promote decentralization, transparency, and disintermediation.

This apparent dichotomy opens the door to a crucial reflection: digital transformation in P.A. should not be limited to simply digitizing existing processes. Instead, it can be an opportunity to rethink the relationship between citizens and the state. In this context, Web3 offers tools that enable participatory governance, verifiable electronic voting systems, and transparent, interoperable public services.

For instance, using blockchain in document management ensures immutability and traceability of administrative records, reducing fraud and inefficiencies. Similarly, smart contracts for the automatic disbursement of public subsidies or bonuses could allow for objective and timely verification of eligibility criteria.

Use Cases and Experiments in Europe

Across Europe, experiments involving public institutions and Web3 solutions are multiplying.
A notable example is the European Blockchain Services Infrastructure (EBSI), a project launched by the European Commission and supported by 30 member states. EBSI aims to develop a European blockchain network for cross-border public services. Among the advanced use cases:

Academic certificates and diplomas on blockchain, valid across Europe.
Verifiable digital identity (eID), integrated with eIDAS 2.0.
Public grants tracking to increase transparency in the use of European funds.

Although progressing at a slower pace, Italy has joined the EBSI consortium and is participating in local pilot projects through universities, public bodies, and innovative startups.

The Benefits of Web3 Adoption in Public Administration

Web3 applications could revolutionize the way Public Administration operates, offering tangible benefits:

Every transaction on blockchain is public, verifiable, and immutable, enabling full traceability of public funds, procurement processes, and decision-making workflows.
Through smart contracts, many currently manual and bureaucratic processes can be automated, reducing waiting times, human error, and operating costs.
Web3 technologies promote secure and standardized data exchange among public bodies, improving inter-institutional cooperation.
The introduction of decentralized digital identities (DID) would allow citizens full control over their personal data, deciding who can access it, for how long, and for what purpose.

The Challenges Ahead: Not Just Technological

However, integrating Web3 into Public Administration also involves critical issues that must not be overlooked:

The regulatory framework is still evolving. The MiCA Regulation (Markets in Crypto-Assets) and the revision of eIDAS 2.0 lay the groundwork for the legal use of decentralized technologies, but member states must adopt them effectively and clearly.
Web3 skills are still scarce in the public sector. Investments in training for managers, officials, and technicians will be essential — possibly through joint programs with universities and research centers.
Many P.A. platforms are outdated and incompatible with decentralized solutions. A gradual transition based on APIs and interoperable systems is key.
While blockchain ensures data integrity and traceability, privacy protection and cybersecurity must also be guaranteed.

Conclusion

Web3 represents a tremendous opportunity to reinvent Public Administration, giving citizens control over their data, simplifying processes, and narrowing the gap between institutions and society. But it won’t be an easy or automatic transition: it requires strategic vision, education, investments in emerging technologies, and — most importantly — a cultural shift.

Italy has all it takes to lead this evolution, but it needs a structured and shared plan to harness the best of Web3 while safeguarding the core values of public service. Only then can a potentially complex combination become a new digital alliance between the state and its citizens.

Sources (Updated to 2025):