Bingo @preparedwombat.

That is exactly what these corporations are referring to when they talk about "blockchain". They have no interest in blockchain since it destroys their business model. Hence, they are really talking about shared databases.

As for the medical, I agree that is what is being referred to. However, I think ultimately it moves past that point, at least for research. There are some articles I read about companies who are trying to figure out some privacy aspects for blockchain. For example, I read about an open supply blockchain that shippers are using. Of course, one company does not want the other to know how much and where things are being moved. Hence, this outfit was working on ways to use the blockchain while keeping some data private on there.

I dont know how it will all turn out but imagine if all medical histories are on the blockchain but total privacy. The reasearchers (along with AI) could look at the data on all cancer patients, say, and come up with advancements in their research.

Perhaps a pipe dream of mine but I believe someone will break that code and figure it out.