Have you ever struggled to grasp the complexities of digital identity and trust?

In this episode of The (un)Trustables Podcast, host Darrell O'Donnell is joined by Jo Spencer and John Phillips from Sezoo, a boutique consultancy specializing in digital trust ecosystems.

They delve into the intricate world of verifiable credentials, guardianship, and the challenges of governing trust ecosystems. With real-world examples from their work with the New South Wales government and other clients, Jo and John share their expertise in distilling complex concepts into simple, digestible explanations.

Guests:

Jo Spencer is a technology executive with over 30 years of global experience in software, product design, consulting, architecture, and strategy, specializing in payments and banking systems. As a co-founder of Sezoo, Jo has spent the last 3 years promoting verifiable credentials and decentralized interaction models to enhance commercial offerings and customer relationships. Jo is also a Partner at 460degrees, leading financial services and architecture activities, collaborating with fintechs, banks, regulators, and product vendors in payments and banking innovation. Previously, Jo led technical strategy, enterprise architecture, and solution design at ANZ Banking Group across 32 countries, focusing on payments, open banking, blockchain, digital identity, compliance, and messaging solutions. Jo has a strong track record of building businesses, solutions, and commercial products for banks and software suppliers globally. 

John Phillips is an expert in Digital Trust frameworks, including Self-Sovereign Identity, and is a co-founder of Sezoo. He leads the 460degrees Ventures, Emerging Technology, and Education practices. With over 30 years of international experience in high technology industries and management consulting, John has worked across 10 countries in sectors ranging from Space to Government, Finance, Utilities, and more. He believes in the potential of open-standards technologies like verifiable credentials and decentralized identifiers to radically improve digital trust on personal, social, and global scales. John authored the chapter on explaining the value of SSI to business in the "Self-Sovereign Identity Decentralized digital identity and verifiable credentials" book. Since co-founding Sezoo in 2021, he has worked on digital trust projects with Australian Federal and State governments, major financial institutions, scheme operators, and medical data research organizations. John also serves as a co-chair of the Sovrin Working Group on Guardianship and collaborates with the Trust over IP foundation on human-centric technology design.

Here are some valuable topics covered:

• Understanding the nuances of verifiable credentials and digital wallets
• Navigating the complexities of guardianship and delegation in digital interactions
• Strategies for governing trust ecosystems and managing stakeholder interests
• The art of creating effective "explainers" for decision-makers

Don't miss this opportunity to gain insights from two seasoned experts in the field of digital trust. Tune in to learn how to navigate the intricacies of this ever-evolving landscape.

Key Insights:

• Verifiable credentials allow for the digital representation of existing credentials, like driving licenses or first aid certificates, without disrupting existing governance frameworks.
• Guardianship and delegation in digital interactions are complex areas that require careful consideration of existing legal frameworks and cultural norms.
• Effective governance of trust ecosystems involves managing stakeholder interests, collaboration, and competition within and across ecosystems.
• Creating simple, visual "explainers" using everyday objects can be a powerful way to help decision-makers grasp complex concepts.

Strategies:

• Use the Trust Over IP governance architecture as a framework for designing ecosystem governance.
• Avoid overcomplicating digital solutions; keep them aligned with existing physical processes for easier adoption.
• Authenticate content and communications to build trust with customers and prevent scams.

Additional Resources

• Sezoo
• Trust Over IP Foundation
  • Specifications for ToIP-compliant governance frameworks
• "Thing Explainer: Complicated Stuff in Simple Words" by Randall Munroe
• The Design Squiggle
• New South Wales Digital Identity and Verifiable Credentials Consultation
• New South Wales Digital Birth Certificate
• Jo Spencer: LinkedIn
• John Phillips: LinkedIn

How can we build a healthcare system that fosters trust, transparency, and collaboration between diverse stakeholders? In this episode of The (un)Trustables, host Darrell O'Donnell sits down with Daniel Fritz, Executive Director, and Marco Cuomo, Chief Technology Officer of the PharmaLedger Association.

PharmaLedger is pioneering a digital trust ecosystem in healthcare, leveraging blockchain. But with players as varied as pharmaceutical giants, patient advocacy groups, NGOs, and technology vendors, how do you align interests and drive consensus?

Guests:

Daniel Fritz: Dan is the Executive Director of the PharmaLedger Association, a not-for-profit based in Switzerland with the purpose of enabling and fostering a Digital Trust Ecosystem (DTE) in healthcare. The Association is the result of a 3-year, 30-member public-private PharmaLedger consortium where Dan served as the Industry Project Leader. Dan worked at Novartis in Switzerland and Germany for 20 years in supply chain, manufacturing, and systems architecture. He has over 30 years of leadership and supply chain IT experience in the US Army, financial, and pharma industries. He holds a B.S. from the United States Military Academy at West Point and an MBA from Duke’s Fuqua School of Business.

Marco Cuomo: Marco is the Chief Technology Officer of the PharmaLedger Association, responsible for defining the platform technology for a Digital Trust Ecosystem in healthcare to bring the benefits of blockchain to patients and partners. He was previously with Novartis in Switzerland for more than 17 years, where he served as the Director of Tech Products & Innovation, responsible for exploring, engineering, and implementing emerging technologies, with a focus on blockchain and its application in the healthcare industry. He began his career as a programmer in software development in the financial industry and has had roles in engineering, operations, service management, solution design and digital strategy.

In this conversation, Daniel and Marco discuss:

• The challenges of uniting competitors around a shared vision
• Overcoming resistance to new paradigms and decentralized models
• Using real-world use cases to illustrate blockchain's transformative potential
• Designing governance to represent all stakeholders' voices
• The imperative shift from "ownership" to "influence" in ecosystem thinking

Tune in for a candid look at the triumphs and growing pains of catalyzing change across an industry often set in its ways. You'll gain a deeper appreciation for the rewards of cross-sector collaboration in tackling healthcare's most complex problems.

Key Insights

• PharmaLedger brings together pharmaceutical companies, technology vendors, patient groups, and other healthcare stakeholders to build shared digital solutions based on blockchain and decentralized architectures
• The vision is to create a digital trust ecosystem that enables transparency, security, and efficient information exchange across the healthcare value chain
• Achieving consensus among diverse members with competing interests is an ongoing challenge that requires compromise, long-term vision, and inclusive governance
• Focusing on clear value propositions for each stakeholder, rather than evangelizing specific technologies, generates more buy-in
• Transitioning from centralized, "ownership" mindsets to collaborative "influencing" is a paradigm shift essential for ecosystem success

Strategies

• Developing proofs-of-concept using tangible, high-impact use cases (like digital product information tracking)
• Structuring the association with varied membership classes and equitable board representation
• Creating an  innovation lab to explore and iterate on new ideas in a low-risk environment
• Remaining technology-agnostic and focusing communications on solving core business needs
• Designing projects for ecosystem-wide mutual benefit rather than competitive advantage

Process

• Transitioning PharmaLedger from an EU-funded initiative to an independent Swiss Association
• Evolving the association's governance model to empower individual project's autonomy
• Introducing new stakeholder groups gradually as shared understanding matures
• Pivoting messaging from "blockchain-enabled healthcare" to "digital trust ecosystems"

Guest: 

Dror Gurevich is the Founder and CEO of Velocity Network Foundation, bringing over 25 years of experience in workforce technology. As a leader and entrepreneur, Dror has been at the forefront of several successful companies in the sector, demonstrating a profound understanding of the industry’s evolution. His current role at Velocity Network Foundation highlights his commitment to innovating workforce tech, specifically utilizing blockchain technology to transform how career credentials are managed globally. Recognized as a thought leader, Dror is a sought-after keynote speaker, sharing his insights on the Future of Work and innovations in workforce technology.

In this episode of the (un)Trustables podcast, host Darrell O'Donnell engages in a comprehensive conversation with Dror Gurevich, CEO of Velocity Network Foundation. The discussion covers various aspects of the Velocity Network, its impact on the global labour market, and the innovative use of blockchain technology in workforce credential verification.

Key Topics:

• Introduction and Background of Velocity Network (Early in the episode): The podcast begins with an introduction to Velocity Network Foundation, explaining its mission and the role of blockchain technology in transforming workforce credential verification.
• Global Inclusivity and Open Source Protocol (Approximately at 01:03:50): Gurevich discusses the creation of a globally inclusive, open-source public protocol owned by no single entity. This protocol is crucial for building applications that enable the trusted exchange of individuals' proofs​​.
• Venture Capital Funding and Public Infrastructure (Approximately at 31:49): The conversation touches upon the role of venture capital in funding the research and development of the Velocity Network. Gurevich explains how this funding facilitated the creation of a public infrastructure that serves as a social good and the necessity of having a private operator on top of this infrastructure​​.
• Disruption in the Job Market and the Role of Velocity Network (Approximately at 01:00:53): Gurevich highlights the challenges posed by the changing nature of employment and the increasing number of international migrants disrupting job markets. He emphasizes the need for a globally inclusive infrastructure to mitigate these megatrends and the potentially dire future if these trends are not addressed​​.
• Tokenization and Fiat On-Ramps (Discussion throughout the episode): The use of tokens in the Velocity Network and the challenges of integrating them into traditional financial systems are discussed. Gurevich addresses the concerns of companies unfamiliar with token usage and the need for fiat on and off-ramps to facilitate transactions​​.
• The Role of Notary Issuers (Discussed in the latter part of the episode): The podcast covers the significance of notary issuers in the Velocity Network, who are responsible for auditing and issuing credentials. This segment sheds light on the costs and value of participating in this process​​.

Throughout the episode, O'Donnell and Gurevich delve into the technicalities, challenges, and future prospects of the Velocity Network. They discuss the network's potential to revolutionize how credentials are verified and shared globally, making it a crucial tool for addressing current and future challenges in the labour market. The episode is rich with insights into the intersection of blockchain technology and workforce development.

Remember to subscribe to the (un)Trustables podcast for more conversations on technology and trust.

Additional Resources: 

• Velocity Network Foundation
• World Employment Confederation
• American Council on Education
• Schellman: IT Compliance Attestation Services
• The Wallet Report
• Read Write Own - Chris Dixon
• Dror Gurevich LinkedIn

Guest:

Dr. Susanne Guth-Orlowski is an external technical Advisor of the Global Battery Alliance and the European Commission on digital product passports, mother of the decentralized digital product passport implementation, founder of the consulting company 4TheRecord, SSI expert, author, moderator, podcaster and speaker. Her background is in security technology, and she has 20 years of hands-on technical experience in cryptography. Today, Dr. Guth-Orlowski is consulting companies and non-profit organizations on defining IT-Security services and standards and bringing them to market. She firmly believes that technology based on open standards can help reach the climate goals. She is currently engaged in defining the technical concepts for a digital, decentralized product passport to enable better product repair, reuse, and recycling.

In this episode of the (un)Trustables Podcast, Darrell O'Donnell talks with Dr. Susanne Guth-Orlowski about the crucial role of digital product passports (DPPs) in sustainable supply chain management. Dr. Guth-Orlowski, an advisor to the Global Battery Alliance and the European Commission, delves into the intricacies of DPPs, the push for decentralization in the European Union's approach, and the broader implications for Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Origin and Role of Digital Product Passports (DPPs): Dr. Guth-Orlowski discusses the concept of DPPs, emphasizing that while she didn't coin the term, she played a significant role in shaping its decentralized implementation. The European Commission introduced the term in their battery regulation, and it's also gaining prominence in other regulations​​.
2. Decentralization in Digital Product Passport Implementation: The episode highlights the unique approach of the European Commission in decentralizing DPPs. This approach contrasts with typical centralization tendencies, allowing stakeholders to maintain control over their data and making the system more inclusive and accessible​​.
3. Sustainability and Environmental Considerations: The discussion touches on the importance of sustainability in business and the integration of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) aspects. Dr. Guth-Orlowski points out the need for quality data to support ESG efforts and improve its reputation, especially in regions where it's viewed skeptically​​.
4. Role of Global Battery Alliance (GBA): The episode covers the activities and focus of the GBA. It clarifies that GBA's approach is not centred on carbon credits but on setting rigorous standards and fostering sustainable practices within the battery industry​​.
5. Technology and Blockchain in DPPs: Dr. Guth-Orlowski discusses the technological aspects, particularly blockchain, and its role in implementing DPPs. She acknowledges the challenges and complexities of using blockchain, advocating for simpler and less complex solutions like decentralized identities​​.
6. Regulatory Compliance and Reporting Challenges: The conversation sheds light on the increasing complexity and cost of regulatory compliance. Dr. Guth-Orlowski underscores the need for solutions that balance production and reporting requirements without overburdening companies​​.
7. Adoption of Standards and the Need for Scores: The episode explores the importance of adopting various standards and scoring systems to aid decision-making and transparency in the supply chain. It emphasizes the need for fast, trustworthy decision-making tools in sustainable practices.

Dr. Guth-Orlowski’s insights provide a comprehensive understanding of the critical role of digital product passports in fostering sustainable supply chains. The discussion highlights the need for transparent, decentralized, and technology-enabled solutions to address the global challenges in achieving sustainable and responsible business practices.

Additional Resources:

• Papers and work by Dr. Susanne Guth-Orlowski on digital product passports
  • Dr. Susanne Guth-Orlowski on Medium
    • The digital product passport and its technical implementation
    • The world’s first decentralized, verifiable Battery Passport
• The Global Battery Alliance (GBA) is a public-private collaboration platform founded in 2017 at the World Economic Forum to help establish a sustainable battery value chain by 2030.
  • Battery Passport
  • Battery Passport Pilot
• Cole Davis - did:webs Task Force 
  • Switchchord demo - 06:33 mark
• Towards Sustainable Mining Initiative
• Dr. Susanne Guth-Orlowski LinkedIn

Guests: 

Nancy Norris is the Senior Director of ESG & Digital Trust in the Ministry for Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation for the Government of British Columbia. She leads Energy & Mines Digital Trust, leveraging digital trust technology to foster a more sustainable and responsible mining industry. Nancy is the Project Lead of UN/CEFACT Critical Raw Materials project, which identifies ways to scale supply chain traceability and transparency to achieve global sustainability outcomes.

Kyle Robinson is an independent consultant working as the Senior Strategic Advisor for BC Digital Trust with the Government of British Columbia. He has over 20 years of experience in the information technology business as a developer, business analyst, and advisor, primarily with government clients. He is an active Hyperledger CA2SIG and Standards WG member and participates in several Trust Over IP Foundation working groups.

This episode unveils the fascinating intersection of technology, sustainability, and governance within British Columbia's mining and energy sectors. The discussion revolves around the transformative impact of digital credentials in proving the sustainability and legality of mining operations, an innovative step towards a transparent global supply chain. Listeners will be captivated by exploring how these digital advancements redefine environmental compliance and integrate with global initiatives, shaping the future of sustainable mining and energy production. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in how digital technology revolutionizes traditional industries and contributes to a more sustainable future.

Key takeaways:

EMDT’s Vision and Implementation: EMDT is designed to provide a digital infrastructure that facilitates a sustainable economy in British Columbia. It uses digital credentials to enable mining and natural gas companies to showcase their sustainability performance and adherence to regulations transparently.

Operational Credentials in Use: Two credentials are currently operational - the Mines Act permit and the Toward Sustainable Mining credential. These credentials are essential for demonstrating mining operations' sustainability and legal compliance.

Global Integration and Supply Chain Traceability: EMDT plays a significant role in global supply chain traceability, aligning with international initiatives like the Global Battery Alliance. It aims to provide transparency and traceability from the extraction point to the final product.

Challenges in Technology and Governance: The project leverages advanced technology, including Hyperledger Aries & Indy and Anoncreds, and operates within an open ecosystem where each participant maintains their own governance structure. Balancing technology implementation with governance and legal compliance is a key challenge.

Going Operational (into Production) Was a Huge Shift: This pivotal shift marked a critical moment, highlighting the complexities and advancements in integrating digital credentials into the mining sector, significantly impacting the industry's sustainability and legal compliance.

Stakeholder Engagement and Project Management: Effective stakeholder engagement and project management have been critical to EMDT's success. This involves ensuring all participants, from government bodies to mining companies, are aligned and informed about the project's progress and implications.

Additional Resources:

• Energy and Mines Digital Trust
• UN/CEFACT: is a subsidiary, intergovernmental body of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), which serves as a focal point within the United Nations Economic and Social Council for trade facilitation recommendations and electronic business standards. 
• Towards Sustainable Mining: a globally recognized sustainability program that supports mining companies in managing key environmental and social risks.
• Trust Over IP Foundation: The Trust Over IP Foundation is a collaborative community initiative dedicated to establishing a complete architecture for internet-scale digital trust.
• Hyperledger: open-source, global ecosystem for enterprise-grade blockchain technologies hosted by the Linux Foundation. Hyperledger Aries and Hyperledger Indy feature in EMDT and TSM.
• AnonCreds: the world's most commonly used Verifiable Credential (VC) format.
• COP27: EMDT shared its work with climate leaders at the UN Climate Change Global Innovation Hub and the Digital Innovation and DigitalArt4Climate Pavilion at COP27. The recordings of these sessions are available on the United Nations Climate Change Events YouTube channel.
• Nancy Norris Linkedin
• Kyle Robinson Linkedin

In this debut episode of the (un)Trustables Podcast, we embark on a fascinating journey into the heart of Bhutan's National Digital Identity (NDI) project. 

Hosted by Darrell O’Donnell, the episode features an in-depth conversation with Jacques Von Benecke, Chief Technology Officer at Druk Holding & Investments, and renowned digital identity expert Drummond Reed. 

The episode  explores Bhutan's groundbreaking digital transformation, driven by the NDI initiative. Listeners are guided through the core components of Bhutanese digital identities, the use cases enabled by this innovation, and the remarkable impact on citizens' lives, particularly in remote areas. 

Drummond Reed shares his initial astonishment at Bhutan's audacious plan to implement self-sovereign identity (SSI) nationally. He highlights the alignment of Bhutan's vision with global principles, emphasizing the significance of this forward-thinking approach. The episode also delves into the legislative journey behind Bhutan's digital identity governance, offering insights into how the project became an Act unanimously passed in Bhutan's parliament. It underscores the importance of crafting legislation that prioritizes citizen-centric digital identity solutions. Ensuring inclusivity is a core focus of the NDI project, with strategies to address device accessibility for all citizens. Unique approaches are discussed, such as providing devices to families without them and creating biometric verifiable credentials for those in remote areas.

The (un)Trustables Podcast Episode 1 offers a captivating look into Bhutan's digital transformation journey, serving as an inspiring model for nations seeking to embark on similar paths.

Key Takeaways:

1. Bhutan's Digital Identity Revolution: Bhutan's NDI project introduces the concept of an "edge wallet" to safeguard foundational digital identities, creating a paradigm shift in digital identity management.
2. Core Components of Digital Identity: Bhutanese digital identities include unique identifiers, addresses, and more, enabling a wide range of use cases, from government services to commercial applications.
3. Empowering Citizens Digitally: The NDI project eliminates the need for citizens to travel to government offices, enhancing convenience and accessibility, particularly in remote regions.
4. Expert Perspectives: Renowned expert Drummond Reed highlights Bhutan's alignment with global SSI principles and its ambitious yet well-researched approach.
5. Legislation and Governance: Crafting citizen-centric legislation is essential for the success of digital identity projects, ensuring alignment with a nation's vision and values.
6. Inclusivity: Strategies to address device accessibility, such as providing devices and creating biometric verifiable credentials, ensure that all citizens can benefit from digital identity solutions.

Additional Resources:

• NDI Press Release - For detailed information on Bhutan's National Digital Identity project.
• Self-Sovereign Identity: Decentralized Digital Identity and Verifiable Credentials by Alex Preukschat and Drummond Reed - A comprehensive resource for understanding the concepts behind digital identity and verifiable credentials.
• Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom - Explore this heartwarming film that provides a glimpse into life in Bhutan, including its remote villages and unique challenges.