Microcredentials and Web3: Exploring the Potential and Opportunities for Digital Transformation
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24215/15146774e082Keywords:
verifiable credentials, digital identity, blockchain, web3, digital government, digital transformationAbstract
This paper explores the potential of blockchain and Web3 technologies in the digital transformation of public entities, focusing on digital identity management and the issuance of verifiable credentials. Key concepts of these technologies, as well as W3C standards, are analyzed, highlighting their ability to ensure integrity, security, portability, and transparency in administrative processes. In the public sector, blockchain offers benefits such as the elimination of intermediaries, automation through smart contracts, asset tokenization, and improved interoperability. In education, the accelerated evolution of the labor market—driven by technological advancements and demands for dynamic specialization—has positioned micro-credentials as critical components for professional reinvention. However, their effective implementation requires overcoming challenges related to interoperability, security, and portability. This is where digital identity and verifiable credentials (VCs) emerge as key enablers of transformation. VCs streamline the issuance and verification of academic certifications, promoting employability and the portability of skills. The case study presented leverages the Digital Credentials Consortium (DCC) to implement VCs based on standards such as JSON-LD and decentralized identifiers (DIDs). This work outlines conceptual frameworks, technical implementation details, and contextual considerations for the adoption of Web3 technologies.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Mauro Cambarieri, Claudia Alejandra Viadana, Nicolás Garcia Martinez, Luis Vivas, Sofia Rached, Michelle Jauge
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