Blockchain in the Global South: Opportunities and Challenges for Businesses and Societies

This book discusses the unique and unusual characteristics of  the blockchain and the industries and markets affected by this  technology in the Global South. Its main objectives are to 1) provide a  comprehensive review of economic, health, social, political,  entrepreneurial, and environmental impacts of blockchain, 2) present  evidence from countries, industries, and firms to broaden the  understanding of the contexts, mechanisms, and outcomes associated with  blockchain projects, and 3) analyze the enablers and opportunities that  can be tapped and barriers that may impede the implementation of  blockchain projects in these economies.

Given that in  many way blockchain has a much higher value proposition for economies  in the Global South than for their counterparts in the more developed  Global North, it has the potential to make up for the lack of effective  formal institutions — rules, laws, regulations, and their enforcement —  as well as improve administrative aspects, such as maintenance of  standards, monitoring and compliance. This work fills a gap in scholarly  research and will appeal to researchers interested in the potential of  blockchain to boost entrepreneurship, reshape governance, improve supply  chain efficiency, and curb corruption in emerging economies.