Drawing on the theory of polycentric information commons and cryptocurrencies’ historical similarities with another popular information commons (namely, Linux), we make predictions regarding what cryptocurrencies may look like in the future. We then predict that: 1) cryptocurrencies will become more pragmatic rather than ideological, 2) cryptocurrencies will become more diverse in terms of not only the underlying technology but also the intended audience, and 3) the core technology behind cryptocurrencies, called blockchain, will be successfully used beyond cryptocurrencies.

To read this content please select one of the options below: $37.00 (excl. tax) 30 days to view and download Abstract Purpose The authors make a fundamental initial effort to conduct a systematic review analysis on “cryptocurrency,” mainly to analyze the way it has been changing the “stereotype” financial transactions, and also identify the probable unexplored research avenues on this innovative investment regime. Practical implications This academic novelty significantly contributes to enhance our knowledge on the current state-of-the-art of digital finance, outlines the research agenda and eventually provides important investment implications for financial managers, research analysts, investors, market practitioners, regulatory compliance professionals and policymakers.

Published: 12 September 2018 Emily Wells 1 , Joshua Trump 1 & … Igor Linkov 1 Environment Systems and Decisions volume 38 , pages 426–430 (2018 )Cite this article 2813 Accesses 12 Citations 44 Altmetric Metrics details Abstract Cryptocurrencies have the potential to revolutionize the exchange of information and money through blockchain and distributed ledger technologies. Where such events can destabilize a given cryptocurrency’s value, and instill distrust in the capacity of a cryptocurrency to survive as a reliable vehicle of exchange, it is imperative for the cryptocurrency community to improve their governance processes and limit the potential for hard forks to occur.

Conclusions References Abstract If the cost of creating, maintaining, and transacting in a new currency is driven down by cryptocurrency technology, then what will be the market response? This chapter explores the likely impact by examining the characteristics of cryptocurrency against specific examples of new currency concepts from three different perspectives: bank currency, company currency, and community currency.