---
title: "Blockchain, Big Data and Market Research: What Does the Future Hold?"
description: The blogosphere has been buzzing about the potential of Blockchain technology in recent months but how will its adoption impact the market research, big data and data analytics industries? Our CEO, Paul Hudson, discusses.
image: https://blog.flexmr.net/hubfs/7711078-blockchain-big-data-and-market-research-what-does-the-future-hold.jpg
---

close

## Ready to level up your insights?

Get ready to streamline, scale and supercharge your research. Fill out this form to request a demo of the InsightHub platform and discover the difference insights empowerment can make. A member of our team will reach out within two working days.

close

## Cost effective insights that scale

Quality insight doesn't need to cost the earth. Our flexible approach helps you make the most of research budgets and build an agile solution that works for you. Fill out this form to request a call back from our team to explore our pricing options.

[![FlexMR logo](https://www.flexmr.net/skin/images/images-custom/2b221b67-b091-4584-9017-872ee2ddf960-logo.svg)](https://www.flexmr.net/)

Book a Demo Request Pricing [Contact Us](https://www.flexmr.net/contact/)

Menu

- [Home](https://www.flexmr.net/)
- [InsightHub](https://www.flexmr.net/insighthub/) 
    - [What is InsightHub?](https://www.flexmr.net/insighthub/)
    - [Data Collection](https://www.flexmr.net/insighthub/data-collection/)
    - [Data Analysis](https://www.flexmr.net/insighthub/data-analysis/)
    - [Data Activation](https://www.flexmr.net/insighthub/data-activation/)
    - [Research Templates](https://blog.flexmr.net/topic/survey-templates/)
    - [Information Security](https://www.flexmr.net/insighthub/information-security/)
- [Services](https://www.flexmr.net/services/) 
    - [Our Expert Services](https://www.flexmr.net/services/)
    - [Support & Education](https://www.flexmr.net/services/support-and-education/)
    - [Consultative Services](https://www.flexmr.net/services/consultative-services/)
    - [Insight Delivery](https://www.flexmr.net/services/insight-delivery-services/)
    - [Research Methods](https://www.flexmr.net/methods/)
    - [Sectors We Work With](https://www.flexmr.net/sectors/)
- [About](https://www.flexmr.net/about/) 
    - [About Us](https://www.flexmr.net/about/)
    - [Leadership](https://www.flexmr.net/about/leadership/)
    - [Meet the team](https://www.flexmr.net/about/meet-the-team/)
    - [Advisory Board](https://www.flexmr.net/about/advisory-board/)
    - [Press & Media](https://resources.flexmr.net/tag/press)
    - [Accolades](https://www.flexmr.net/about/accolades/)
    - [Careers](https://www.flexmr.net/about/careers/)
- [Blog](https://blog.flexmr.net/)
- [Resources](https://resources.flexmr.net)
- [Contact](https://www.flexmr.net/contact/)
- [Book a Demo](https://blog.flexmr.net/)
- [Request Pricing](https://blog.flexmr.net/)

- [Home](https://www.flexmr.net/)
- [InsightHub](https://www.flexmr.net/insighthub/) 
    - - [What is InsightHub?](https://www.flexmr.net/insighthub/)
          - [Data Collection](https://www.flexmr.net/insighthub/data-collection/)
          - [Data Analysis](https://www.flexmr.net/insighthub/data-analysis/)
          - [Data Activation](https://www.flexmr.net/insighthub/data-activation/)
          - [Research Templates](https://blog.flexmr.net/topic/survey-templates/)
          - [Information Security](https://www.flexmr.net/insighthub/information-security/)
    - ![Camp InsightHub](https://blog.flexmr.net/hubfs/Website_Files/Images/Navigation/camp_insighthub_nav.png)
      
      Embark on a new adventure. Join Camp InsightHub, our free demo platform, to discover the future of research.
      
      
      
      [Sign Up Today](https://insighthub.flexmr.net/users/new)
    - ![FlexMR InsightHub](https://blog.flexmr.net/hubfs/Website_Files/Images/Navigation/insighthub_screenshot.png)
      
      Read a brief overview of the agile research platform enabling brands to inform decisions at speed in this PDF.
      
      
      
      [Download Brochure](https://blog.flexmr.net/hubfs/Public_Files/InsightHub_Brochure.pdf)
    - ### InsightHub on the Blog
      
      
      
          - [Surveys, Video and the Changing Face of Agile Research](https://blog.flexmr.net/surveys-video-changing-agile-research)
          - [Building a Research Technology Stack for Better Insights](https://blog.flexmr.net/research-technology-stack)
          - [The Importance of Delegation in Managing Insight Activities](https://blog.flexmr.net/delegation-importance-insight-activities)
          - [Common Insight Platform Pitfalls (and How to Avoid Them)](https://blog.flexmr.net/platform-pitfalls-how-to-avoid-them)
- [Services](https://www.flexmr.net/services/) 
    - - [Our Expert Services](https://www.flexmr.net/services/)
          - [Support and Education](https://www.flexmr.net/services/support-and-education/)
          - [Consultative Services](https://www.flexmr.net/services/consultative-services/)
          - [Insight Delivery Services](https://www.flexmr.net/services/insight-delivery-services/)
          - [Research Methods](https://www.flexmr.net/methods/)
          - [Sectors We Work With](https://www.flexmr.net/sectors/)
    - ![FlexMR Services Team](https://blog.flexmr.net/hubfs/Website_Files/Images/Navigation/services.jpg)
      
      Our services drive operational and strategic success in challenging environments. Find out how.
      
      
      
      [Download Brochure](https://blog.flexmr.net/hubfs/Public_Files/Brochures/FlexMR_Services_Brochure.pdf)
    - ![Video Close Connection Programme](https://blog.flexmr.net/hubfs/Website_Files/Images/Navigation/video_services.jpg)
      
      Close Connections bring stakeholders and customers together for candid, human conversations.
      
      
      
      [Read Press Release](https://resources.flexmr.net/close-connections-launch)
    - ### Explore our Practices
      
      
      
          - [Communities Practice](https://www.flexmr.net/insighthub/)
          - [Closeness Practice](https://www.flexmr.net/practices/customer-closeness/)
          - [CX Practice](https://www.flexmr.net/practices/customer-experience/)
          - [Insight Communications Practice](https://www.flexmr.net/practices/insight-communications/)
- [About](https://www.flexmr.net/about/) 
    - - [About Us](https://www.flexmr.net/about/)
          - [Leadership](https://www.flexmr.net/about/leadership/)
          - [Meet the Team](https://www.flexmr.net/about/meet-the-team/)
          - [Advisory Board](https://www.flexmr.net/about/advisory-board/)
          - [Press & Media](https://resources.flexmr.net/tag/press)
          - [Accolades](https://www.flexmr.net/about/accolades/)
          - [Careers](https://www.flexmr.net/about/careers/)
    - ![FlexMR Credentials Deck](https://blog.flexmr.net/hubfs/Website_Files/Images/Navigation/flexmr_credentials.png)
      
      The FlexMR credentials deck provides a brief introduction to the team, our approach to research and previous work.
      
      
      
      [Download Credentials](https://blog.flexmr.net/hubfs/Public_Files/Brochures/FlexMR_Credentials.pdf)
    - ![FlexMR Insights Empowerment](https://blog.flexmr.net/hubfs/Website_Files/Images/Navigation/insights_empowerment.png)
      
      We are the insights empowerment company. Our framework addresses the major pressures insight teams face.
      
      
      
      [Download Brochure](https://blog.flexmr.net/hubfs/Public_Files/Brochures/Insights_Empowerment_Brochure.pdf)
    - ### Latest News
      
      
      
          - [Insight as Art Shortlisted for AURA Innovation Award](https://resources.flexmr.net/aura-innovation-award-2021)
          - [FlexMR Launch Video Close Connection Programme](https://resources.flexmr.net/close-connections-launch)
          - [VideoMR Analysis Tool Added to InsightHub](https://resources.flexmr.net/videomr-launch)
          - [FlexMR Makes Shortlist for Quirks Research Supplier Award](https://resources.flexmr.net/quirksmr-mr-supplier-award-2020)
- [Blog](https://blog.flexmr.net) 
    - - [Latest Posts](https://blog.flexmr.net)
          - [Strategic Thinking](https://blog.flexmr.net/topic/strategic-thinking)
          - [Technology & Trends](https://blog.flexmr.net/topic/tech-trends)
          - [Research Methods](https://blog.flexmr.net/topic/research-methods)
          - [Practical Application](https://blog.flexmr.net/topic/practical-application)
          - [Insights Empowerment](https://blog.flexmr.net/topic/insights-empowerment)
          - [View Full Blog Archives](https://blog.flexmr.net/all)
    - ![FlexMR Close Connection Programme](https://blog.flexmr.net/hubfs/Website_Files/Images/Navigation/close_connection.png)
      
      Discover how to build close customer connections to better support real-time decision making.
      
      
      
      [Build Connections](https://blog.flexmr.net/practical-support-real-time-decisions)
    - ![Market Research Playbook](https://blog.flexmr.net/hubfs/Website_Files/Images/Navigation/market_research_playbook.png)
      
      What is a market research and insights playbook, plus discover why should your team consider building one.
      
      
      
      [Discover Playbooks](https://blog.flexmr.net/market-research-playbook)
    - ### Featured Posts
      
      
      
          - [Five Strategies for Turning Insight into Action](https://blog.flexmr.net/5-strategies-turn-insights-into-action)
          - [How to Design Surveys that Ask the Right Questions](https://blog.flexmr.net/effective-survey-design-guide)
          - [Scaling Creative Qual for Rich Customer Insight](https://blog.flexmr.net/scale-creative-qual-rich-understanding)
          - [How to Measure Brand Awareness: The Complete Guide](https://blog.flexmr.net/measure-brand-awareness)
- [Resources](https://resources.flexmr.net) 
    - - [All Resources](https://resources.flexmr.net)
          - [Client Stories](https://resources.flexmr.net/tag/case-studies)
          - [Whitepapers](https://resources.flexmr.net/tag/whitepapers)
          - [Events & Webinars](https://resources.flexmr.net/tag/events)
          - [The Open Ideas Panel](https://ideas.flexmr.net/auth/sign_in)
          - [InsightHub Help Centre](https://help.flexmr.net/en)
          - [FlexMR Client Network](https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9165407/)
    - ![Insights Empowerment Readiness Calculator](https://blog.flexmr.net/hubfs/Website_Files/Images/Navigation/insights_calculator.png)
      
      The insights empowerment readiness calculator measures your progress in building an insight-led culture.
      
      
      
      [Get Your Score](https://resources.flexmr.net/insights-empowerment-calculator)
    - ![MRX Lab Podcast](https://blog.flexmr.net/hubfs/Website_Files/Images/Navigation/flexmr_podcast.png)
      
      The MRX Lab podcast explores new and novel ideas from the insights industry in 10 minutes or less.
      
      
      
      [Listen Now](https://resources.flexmr.net/mrx-lab-podcast)
    - ### Featured Stories
      
      
      
          - [Specsavers Informs Key Marketing Decisions with InsightHub](https://resources.flexmr.net/specsavers)
          - [The Coventry Panel Helps Maintain Award Winning CX](https://resources.flexmr.net/coventry-building-society)
          - [Isagenix Customer Community Steers New Product Launch](https://resources.flexmr.net/isa-insights)
          - [Curo Engage Residents with InsightHub Community](https://resources.flexmr.net/curo)

- [Tech & Trends](https://blog.flexmr.net/topic/tech-trends) /

 4 MIN READ

## Blockchain, Big Data and Market Research: What Does the Future Hold?

#### Paul Hudson

# [Workshops and Beacons: A Guide to Building Custome...](https://blog.flexmr.net/workshops-beacons-customer-salience)

Most organisations are not short of data, insight or decks.Their biggest challenge is not whether cu...

[Read more](https://blog.flexmr.net/workshops-beacons-customer-salience)

 9 MIN READ

#### Ed Hill

- [Events (1)](https://blog.flexmr.net/topic/events)
- [Insights Empowerment (38)](https://blog.flexmr.net/topic/insights-empowerment)
- [Practical Application (178)](https://blog.flexmr.net/topic/practical-application)
- [Research Methods (285)](https://blog.flexmr.net/topic/research-methods)
- [Strategic Thinking (232)](https://blog.flexmr.net/topic/strategic-thinking)
- [Survey Templates (7)](https://blog.flexmr.net/topic/survey-templates)
- [Tech & Trends (397)](https://blog.flexmr.net/topic/tech-trends)

Blockchain will revolutionise the way the insight industries work. Not because we need to change the way they work or because it will create an advantage for us or even make our jobs easier... Blockchain doesn’t solve a problem that we have. Blockchain will completely disrupt our industries because it changes the way data is owned, stored and shared. It will disrupt us so completely, precisely because it’s not about us, but it’s about the people who we collect the data from. It’s a technology created for them to help them solve their problem. The most disruptive technologies are those that create a revolution from the bottom-up. There is a tsunami coming our way.

|   | ***Tweet This*** |
| --- | --- |
| [Blockchain doesn't solve a problem that the insight industries have - It will disrupt us completely. precisely because it's not about us. but the people who we collect data from](https://ctt.ec/dtzL1) |  |

### What is Blockchain?

This is very, very early days for Blockchain so it’s a bit like trying to describe the future of the Internet during 1994 - for reference, I’d barely even heard of the Internet back then, let alone used it! But suffice as to say, Blockchain is a technology very similar to the Internet. In fact, if you think of it as being “Internet 2.0” then it is much easier to grasp its potential influence. Blockchain is a network, an infrastructure invention that isn’t really owned by anyone and can be used ‘open source’.

Blockchain was designed to give power back to the individual. In the same way that the Internet was designed to liberate the way users share information, communicate and exchange services, Blockchain now secures their data during these processes. I am vastly simplifying a very complicated topic and technology here, but that’s it in essence. In the new Blockchain world, individuals will decide which ‘blocks’ of their data ‘chain’ they would like to share, with whom and at what price. Their problem: that of personal data privacy is therefore resolved.

### Blockchain and the Insight Industries

Every entity from commercial to non-profit will feel the impact of a mass Blockchain adoption but as data is at the literal route of the business of the insight, our industries will be affected even more so. Here are just a few considerations…

**Big Data** - Whilst the big data revolution has only just begun, Blockchain WILL disrupt it. At the heart of big data’s success is the explosion of readily available passive behavioural data; precisely the thing that Blockchain is set to manage.

**Surveys** - If surveys do survive they will have to adapt. Firstly, they will have to connect to the Blockchain data available - participants will not have the patience to answer questions about their devices or their use of them when they can give you access to their Blockchain records.

**Qual** - Blockchain with crypto-currency alignment will incentivise all participants to contribute in a meaningful and honest way, as dishonesty will affect their Blockchain reputation.

**It’s Anyone’s Game** - The large data warehouses will no longer have control, and neither will the client in terms of customer data. Every insight agency, regardless of size, will have equal access to exactly the same personal and behavioural data via the Blockchain.

|   | ***Tweet This*** |
| --- | --- |
| [In the event of mass Blockchain adoption large data warehouses will no longer have control - Every insight agency. regardless of size. will have equal access to the same personal and behavioural data](https://ctt.ec/74f8M) |  |

### To Conclude

Blockchain wasn’t invented to help the insight industries, nor does is immediately resolve any current industry challenges; improving survey response rates, increasing analytical automation, etc. but regardless, it could completely change the way market research, insight and data analytics industries operate…

#### About FlexMR

We are The Insights Empowerment Company. We help research, product and marketing teams drive informed decisions with efficient, scalable & impactful insight.

#### About Paul Hudson

Paul is the CEO of FlexMR and an active member of key industry bodies. He aims to empower insight teams across the globe.

#### Stay up to date

## You might also like...

![Blog Featured Image Header](https://blog.flexmr.net/hubfs/Marketing_Files/Blogs/Headers/retaining_human_touch_customer_salience_cx_ai.png)

### [Retaining a Human Touch with Custom...](https://blog.flexmr.net/customer-salience-cx-ai)

In recent years, companies have embraced artificial intelligence (AI) at pace, swept up in a technological momentum that promises efficiency and cost savings. However, in their rush to pursue quickly ...

[Continue reading](https://blog.flexmr.net/customer-salience-cx-ai)

 5 MIN READ

![Blog Featured Image Header](https://blog.flexmr.net/hubfs/Marketing_Files/Blogs/Headers/casual_conversation_iosetta_santini.png)

### [A Casual Conversation... with Ioset...](https://blog.flexmr.net/casual-conversation-iosetta-santini)

Most research projects still currently end with a powerpoint report and a debrief. This has become deeply entrenched as the industry standard, and it is what stakeholders have come to expect when they...

[Continue reading](https://blog.flexmr.net/casual-conversation-iosetta-santini)

 4 MIN READ

![Blog Featured Image Header](https://blog.flexmr.net/hubfs/Marketing_Files/Blogs/Headers/synthetic_data_richer_market_insights.png)

### [Synthetic Data: The Key to Richer M...](https://blog.flexmr.net/synthetic-data-richer-market-insights)

In the dynamic world of market research, the need for robust and accurate data is critical. Whilst the increased prevalence of generative AI has provided a range of benefits to market research process...

[Continue reading](https://blog.flexmr.net/synthetic-data-richer-market-insights)

 7 MIN READ

![](https://www.flexmr.net/skin/images/images-custom/48f118ee-cef9-42d6-b60b-5575d5ac26e3-flexmr_footer.svg)

- [Home](https://www.flexmr.net/)
- [Contact Us](https://www.flexmr.net/contact/)
- [Privacy Policy](https://www.flexmr.net/legal/privacy/)
- [Cookie Policy](https://www.flexmr.net/legal/cookies/)
- [Terms of Use](https://www.flexmr.net/legal/terms-of-use/)

[Follow us on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/flexmr/)

[Follow us on Twitter](https://twitter.com/_flexmr)

[Follow us on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/flexmr)

[Follow us on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/c/FlexmrNetOnlineResearch)

[![Grit Top 50 Logo](https://www.flexmr.net/uploads/photo-gallery-include-images/34/44258f4d-7452-40d6-bb23-0e220c8ba21f.png)](https://www.greenbook.org/mr/grit/business-innovation-edition)

[![ISO 27001 Alcumus](https://www.flexmr.net/uploads/photo-gallery-include-images/34/fa89f9b3-d866-43b8-8de0-4a052a9053d8.png)](https://www.alcumus.com/en-gb/certification/iso-27001/)

[![Cyber Essentials Plus Logo](https://www.flexmr.net/uploads/photo-gallery-include-images/34/cba57df6-75a2-4544-9599-dcc0c2f14b79.png)](https://blog.flexmr.net/hubfs/Public_Files/Other/FlexMR_Cyber_Essentials_Certificate.pdf?__hstc=163229475.dde2c3d212762f49b059c9f62e7537a0.1624542718433.1626339489304.1626701624468.7&__hssc=163229475.2.1626701624468&__hsfp=3142549060)

© FlexMR 2021. All rights reserved.

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "Paul Hudson",
    "url" : "https://blog.flexmr.net/author/paul-hudson"
  },
  "dateModified" : "2021-07-21T22:56:40.171Z",
  "datePublished" : "2018-08-31T15:11:11.000Z",
  "headline" : "Blockchain, Big Data and Market Research: What Does the Future Hold?",
  "image" : [ "https://blog.flexmr.net/hubfs/7711078-blockchain-big-data-and-market-research-what-does-the-future-hold.jpg" ],
  "mainEntityOfPage" : {
    "@id" : "https://blog.flexmr.net/blockchain-big-data-and-market-research",
    "@type" : "WebPage"
  },
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "url" : "https://blog.flexmr.net/hubfs/Website_Files/Images/Logos/flexmr_logo_amp.png"
    },
    "name" : "FlexMR"
  }
}
```