Supply Chain/Blockchain Friday Wrap — Week ending 13 December 2018With the year coming to a close, studies are being published that mark the growth of blockchain technology in 2018 and its potential for monumental growth in the years to come. Whether it be smartphones in our hands or supply chains that affect everything around us, blockchain technology is set to have a major impact on the world.Here’s our weekly roundup of supply chain and blockchain news!UAE Firm Taps Ripple Blockchain RippleNet to Launch Cross-Border PaymentsThe blockchain-based global payment network of Ripple, RippleNet, is making its mark in the United Arab Emirates by planning to launch a platform for cross-border payments. They will be partnering with other financial institutions that are operating in that region.Click for the source of the photoRipple’s Global Head of Infrastructure Innovation Dilip Rao said, “We chose to focus on solving inefficiencies in key corridors where payment flows are significant and growing. Adding a market leader like UAE Exchange to RippleNet will bring instant, certain, low-cost payments to the millions of retail customers in the UAE who send money abroad.”Blockchain developer is the fastest-growing job in America, according to LinkedInAccording to LinkedIn’s 2018 U.S. Emerging Jobs report, Blockchain developer is this year’s fastest-growing job in the U.S. The job has seen 33 times growth year-over-year and demand is coming from companies such as IBM, Consensys, and Chainyard.Click for the source of the photo“Blockchain” hadn’t appeared in the 2017 U.S. Emerging Jobs report, but now it tops the list with companies ranging from IBM to Spotify experiment with new ways to utilize blockchain technology.Samsung could be developing its own blockchain phoneSamsung has submitted three European trademark requests for blockchain-based smartphone features. The three trademarks are named “Blockchain KeyStore,” “Blockchain key box,” and “Blockchain Core.”Click for the source of the photoEarlier this year, Samsung claimed that its smartphones had the best security for holding cryptocurrency and now they are building on that claim to potentially utilize blockchain encryption keys to enhance that security.India’s Telecom Regulator Completes Mobile Blockchain Pilot with IBMThe Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has completed blockchain pilots with IBM to improve mobile data records. The telecom regulator, along with major telecom providers in India, has completed tests with tech firms to explore the benefits that blockchain could have in improving mobile network systems, such as allowing users to keep their mobile telephone number when shifting from one network to another and Do Not Call registries.Click for the source of the photoAccording to the Vice President of IBM Research, Sriram Raghavan, the latest blockchain application will allow companies to store certain data on a privately distributed ledger with “customer consent.” A TRAI official confirmed that telecom suppliers are working on agreements with tech firms and will set up the launch of blockchain-based mobile record systems “in the next couple of months.”62% of Auto Execs Believe Blockchain Will Disrupt Industry within 3 Years: IBM StudyAccording to a report by the IBM Institute for Business Value, 62% of auto executives say that blockchain technology will be a disruptive force in the auto industry by 2021. 95% of carmakers plan to make “moderate to significant” blockchain investments over the next three years.In its executive report, “Daring to Be First,” the IBM Institute says that the blockchain can revolutionize the auto industry by bringing transparency to supply chain management and financial transactions. Without the ability to track and verify the parts in each step of the supply chain, this can result in a higher chance of parts not working correctly being integrated with parts that do work.Click for the source of the photoThe IBM Institute pointed out that German auto giant Porsche has already been testing blockchain applications with its products since February 2018.Want to know more about Sweetbridge?Sweetbridge is an open-source project unlocking the value trapped in assets, payment delays, and corporate talent. Our Blockchain-based ‘tools for commerce’ help companies, countries and individuals to find a better way to trade and innovate.Join our discussion in Sweetbridge telegram channel to learn more about Sweetbridge and its products.Website | Twitter | LinkedIn | Facebook | Telegram | Reddit | InstagramSupply Chain/Blockchain Friday Wrap — Week ending 13 December 2018 was originally published in Sweetbridge on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.