A Framework for Designing Self-sustaining Ecosystems with Blockchain

Abstract

Blockchain is a foundational technology where the idea of a distributed database and trust is established through mass collaboration and smart contracts. It is being claimed to be the next major socio-technical advancement after the invention of the Internet. In this paper we present a framework that supports experts in designing self-sustaining ecosystems leveraging distributed ledger technology. The critical building blocks of the framework are value exchange mapping, determining an evolutionary distributed ledger technology architecture, governance modelling, and token engineering. The goal of the framework is to establish a Minimum Viable Ecosystem that is self-sustaining in itself while having a positive-sum game as the basis to attain organic network effects. The framework has been evaluated through three case studies of prominent distributed ledger technology projects. The results of the case study were positive and evident of the need for such frameworks to help experts to think strategically, critically and precisely.