Blockchain and tokenomics can drive innovation towards achieving sustainability and societal goals by enhancing transparency and trust.

Blockchain has emerged as a major technological innovation enabling sustainable development and supporting key societal goals. This editorial explores its transformative potential across sectors, focusing on how blockchain technology (BCT) and tokenomics can accelerate achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The exploration highlights blockchain's capabilities to enhance transparency, efficiency, and trust in industries ranging from intelligent transportation systems to green energy and carbon trading. Examples include blockchain frameworks for managing mass gatherings in Saudi Arabia, certification systems for hydrogen production, and token-based carbon credits for climate action.

By leveraging decentralised technologies, blockchain promotes a triple-sustainability paradigm encompassing social, economic, and environmental dimensions. It enables innovative governance models, incentive mechanisms, and the redistribution of resources, with observed impacts on SDGs such as affordable energy, climate action, and sustainable cities.

Two research perspectives were prominent: exploratory reviews of blockchain-enabled token economies and domain-specific applications. The first review analysed blockchain's application in local communities featuring token economies designed for participation incentives or community currencies. A variety of blockchain types and token distribution models were evaluated, revealing promising but sometimes unstable economic frameworks.

In terms of domain-specific applications, case studies assessed blockchain innovations in three areas. First, an intelligent transportation system reform in Saudi Arabia utilised a blockchain-based framework, optimising transportation services during peak religious events through decentralised governance and effective resource management. The second example detailed the EU's blockchain-enabled certification for the hydrogen market, streamlining data management and verifications in green energy practices. Finally, a deep dive into KlimaDAO illustrated how tokenised carbon credits advance voluntary carbon markets while grappling with challenges such as standardisation and sustained user engagement.

While blockchain shows promise, key barriers include regulatory frameworks, interoperability issues, and tension between transformative innovation and economic stability. To unlock its full potential for sustainable development, collaborative research and diversified experimentation remain pivotal. In summary, blockchain not only offers transformative tools for sustainability but also drives societal trust, resource efficiency, and innovative economic systems aligned with critical global goals.