A Triple Helix Approach for the Diffusion of Blockchain Technology against Counterfeiting of Made in Italy Products in SMEs of the Marche Region

This paper describes the opportunities that blockchain technology applied to product traceability might offer to firms of Made in Italy against counterfeiting of their products, and the challenges to the adoption of blockchain technology in these firms, especially SMEs. The focus is on the Italian Region Marche which is characterised by a prevalence of firms specialised in the Made in Italy. The paper proposes a triple helix approach to facilitate the diffusion of blockchain technology in the Marche Region and individuates policies and non-academic actors at the regional level that could help SMEs to know and adopt this innovative technology.