A Review of fast-growing Blockchain Hubs in Asia

Abstract

The unique combination of social and economic factors has brought about a dynamic and rapidly-evolving blockchain ecosystem in Asia. This paper systematically reviewed the development of four fast-growing blockchain hubs in Asia, namely China, Japan, Singapore and South Korea using secondary data sources. These countries are fast-growing based on the development of its digital, technological and regulatory infrastructure, patent applications, cryptocurrency trading volume and Initial Crypto-token Offerings (ICOs) activities. The review included insights into the different regulatory approaches, the blockchain startup scenes, selected enterprise or government-backed projects, as well as the research and educational landscape. Our findings suggested that the regulators, industry players, and academic institutions were purposeful and deliberate in nurturing blockchain technology innovation. Future development would be dependent on the regulatory, technological, as well as talent capability support unique to each blockchain hub.