Blockchain as a driving force for federalism: A theory of cross-organizational task-technology fit

Digital technologies play an important role for the delivery of many public services. However, selecting and adopting ‘right’ digital is often challenging, especially federally structured governments. Universal factors successful adoption are hard to establish, particularities federalism, such as separation competencies, complicate technology selection. Nevertheless, blockchain seems flourish in these environments. Through a single-case study on project Germany’s Federal Office Migration Refugees, we unpack one essential factor this success: fit between (cross-)organizational task structure technological properties. This earns Office’s considerable credit traction with stakeholders partner authorities – not least because it supports argument that digitalization federal systems possible without ‘digital centralization’ redistribution competencies. Our task-technology analysis contributes better understanding sector. It also provides foundation extended theory structured, cross-organizational contexts. • We analyze government systems. conduct national asylum procedures. find properties private frameworks organizing principles. develop cross-organizational,