An analysis of the development of cryptocurrency research

Abstract

In this chapter, we investigate the literature on both broad- and narrow-based cryptocurrency research from a bibliometric and scientometric perspective. While Bitcoin, presented as the first every \ncryptocurrency by Nakamoto [2009], was established as the first piece of a decade-long expansion \nof academic literature based on the development of this new financial product and the associated \nbenefits and issues contained therein. We attempt to re-trace and provide a thorough explanation \nof the flow of research direction during this period across all disciplines. We provide clear evidence \nof a growing but fragmented research area. We conclude that there is a significant difference in \nhow researchers treat broad conceptual topics versus individual products. We finally provide a \nconcise overview of the current topics that have been central to recent research efforts, while attempting to provide oversight key areas that have presented evidence of particular deficiency. Such \nrecommendations will provide direction for future research synergy.