Blockchain Governance: Current Approaches and Research Directions - II.A.1.c.iii : Network Science

Abstract

Blockchains have gained in prominence over the last decade, both as technology vehicles for crypto-currencies such as bitcoin and Ethereum, and also as a general, formally sound approach to maintaining a shared durable ledger (e.g. for land and bank records). Consensus algorithms form the core of a blockchain, since differing versions of the ledger can enable double spend attacks in cryptocurrencies, and a complete breakdown for land and bank records. Accordingly, consensus algorithms have been the subject of much study. However, less attention has been paid to governance of the blockchain -- how do we change algorithmic and operational aspects of a working blockchain? We propose to write a detailed survey of blockchain governance, and assemble a list of important research directions. We believe that governance aspects are going to be as important as operational or cryptographic aspects of blockchains over the next decade, and will illuminate both research and regulation.

Document Details

Document Type
DoD Grant Award
Publication Date
Jul 09, 2020
Source ID
W911NF2010190

Entities

People

  • Ashish Goel

Organizations

  • Army Contracting Command
  • Stanford University
  • United States Army

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Computer science
  • Mathematics

Readers

  • Business Analytics
  • Cybersecurity.
  • Economics