A blockchain consortium is a group of multiple organizations that collaborate to create and maintain a shared blockchain network. Unlike public blockchains, which are open to everyone, consortium blockchains are typically permissioned, meaning only selected members can access or participate in the network.

The primary goal of a blockchain consortium is to leverage the benefits of blockchain technology—such as transparency, security, and decentralization—while still maintaining control over who can participate. This is particularly useful for industries that require collaboration among trusted partners but need to safeguard sensitive data.

Members of a consortium share responsibilities in governance, development, and management of the blockchain. They can set their own rules, deciding who can join or leave the consortium and how data is accessed or modified. Common applications include supply chain management, finance, and healthcare, where various stakeholders benefit from having a trusted, shared source of information without revealing proprietary data to competitors.