Definition ∞ A permissioned blockchain is a distributed ledger technology where access and participation are restricted to authorized entities. Unlike public blockchains, where anyone can join and validate transactions, permissioned blockchains require explicit approval from a central authority or a consortium. This controlled environment allows for greater privacy, faster transaction speeds, and more predictable governance, making it suitable for enterprise applications. Participants are typically vetted and their identities are known.
Context ∞ The current discourse on permissioned blockchains primarily revolves around their adoption by enterprises for supply chain management, interbank settlements, and secure data sharing. Key debates involve the degree of decentralization achievable within these frameworks and their ability to interoperate with public blockchain ecosystems. Critical future developments to monitor include the establishment of industry-wide standards for permissioned blockchain governance and the integration of these networks with existing enterprise resource planning systems.