In 2009 Blockchain was born, a technology that has already changed the world and has the ability to help us solve some of the most prevalent problems of humanity. Blockchain is the technology that makes possible its most well-known use, bitcoin cryptocurrencies. But the underlying technology allows infinite possibilities far beyond the well-known virtual currency. Unfortunately, the Blockchain discussion is too often focused on very cryptic technological issues for the majority, which only alienates many potential users of the most powerful tool we have seen since the World Wide Web was invented. In this session, we will understand what Blockchain can do, leaving aside the technical jargon and we will know concrete examples of uses of this technology

Concepción Galdón is IE University’s Social Innovation Director/Academic Lead. At IE she has the mandate to promote Social Innovation academic content across Schools and Programs, encourage more research in Social Innovation and reach out to organizations and partners interested in Social Innovation. IE focuses on three main drivers for Social Innovation, consistent with the identity and values of our University: Entrepreneurship (also Social Entrepreneurship but not exclusively), Technology applied to Social Innovation and Conscious Leadership. Concepción is a professor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at IE. Concepción is also President of the social Venture Puentes Global, which she co-founded in 2009. She´s a member of Ashoka Spain’s Venture Board and of the board of Harvard Kennedy School Spain Alumni Network.

Concepción is an Economist by Universidad Autónoma de Madrid. She holds a Master in Public Administration and International Development by Harvard Kennedy School. Concepción holds a PhD in International Economy and Development by Universidad Complutense de Madrid. Her PhD research focuses on the use of technology in social entrepreneurship. She has published papers in peer-reviewed journals and chapters in books. She writes contributions for mass media regularly and is a speaker at international conferences.

Her past professional experience includes the foundation of an NGO, UN’s Procurement Service, Santander Bank’s Latin America Division and Liberia’s Government under Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, Nobel Peace Prize 2011.