Opportunities and Risks of Blockchain Technologies (Dagstuhl Seminar 17132)

Abstract

This report documents the program and the outcomes of Dagstuhl Seminar 17132 "Opportunities and Risks of Blockchain Technologies". Blockchain-based applications such as Bitcoin or Ethereum are emerging technologies, but a dramatic increase in industrial and academic interest in the technology is evident. Start-­ups and large financial players are working intensely on blockchain-based applications, making this one of the most promising drivers of financial innovation. However, the design and implementation of blockchain-based systems requires deep technical know-how in various areas, as well as consideration of economic and societal issues. These opportunities and challenges provided the starting point for the Dagstuhl Seminar where we analyzed and synthesized the current body of knowledge on the emerging landscape of blockchain technologies. We linked cryptographic economic systems to already established research streams around trust-related issues in payment systems and digital currencies, and digital asset management.