Next-Generation Internet of Things and Blockchain Integration Based on Smart Sensors

Dear Colleagues,

In an era where the proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices is revolutionizing our interaction with the digital world, traditional centralized models of data management and security are increasingly showing their limitations. The vast networks of smart sensors and connected devices that form the backbone of the IoT paradigm inherently require a high degree of trust in centralized authorities, leading to significant concerns regarding privacy, data security, and the potential for widespread surveillance. As the digital economy continues to expand, driven by massive volumes of data generated by users, the centralization of these data in the hands of a few entities raises critical questions about data ownership, privacy, and economic equity.

Recognizing these challenges, there is a growing consensus on the need for decentralized, trustless solutions. This paradigm shift necessitates a fundamental re-evaluation of how we address the inherent problems of centralized infrastructures and paves the way for the development of new technologies to decentralize the entire technological stack. In this landscape, blockchain and distributed ledger technologies (DLTs) emerge as potent tools for implementing decentralized frameworks. These technologies promise to redefine the way sensor-oriented devices and networks operate, ensuring greater security, autonomy, and efficiency.

However, the integration of blockchain and IoT is still an emerging field which is fraught with technical, operational, and conceptual challenges. To advance this critical area of research, we are pleased to announce a Special Issue on "Next-Generation Internet of Things and Blockchain Integration Based on Smart Sensors," inviting contributions from researchers and practitioners exploring the confluence of IoT and blockchain technologies.

We seek original, high-quality submissions that address, but are not limited to, the following topics:

• Decentralized Data Governance in IoT.
• Blockchain for IoT Supply Chain Transparency.
• Energy-Efficient Blockchain Protocols for IoT.
• Blockchain-Enabled IoT for Smart Cities.
• Cross-Chain Technologies for IoT.
• Blockchain for IoT in Healthcare.
• IoT and Blockchain in Agriculture.
• Self-Sovereign Identity for IoT Devices.
• Blockchain for IoT Data Analytics and AI.
• Quantum-Resistant Blockchain Algorithms for IoT.
• Blockchain for IoT in Retail and Supply Chain Management.
• Smart Contracts for Automated IoT Interactions.

We invite researchers and practitioners to submit their latest findings and innovations in these areas. Submissions should not only address their technological aspects but should also consider their broader implications, including socio-economic impacts, regulatory challenges, and ethical considerations.

Dr. Massimo Vecchio
Dr. Miguel Pincheira
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sensors is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• smart contracts
• trustless architectures
• distributed ledger technologies
• crypto chips
• cyber–physical systems
• decentralized networks