Blockchain Papers

Lee Yen Chaw, Eugene Cheng-Xi Aw, Mehrbakhsh Nilashi, Mcxin Tee

No abstract is available for this record.

Aleksandra Trpkov, Danica Sovtić, Miloš Radenković, S. Popović · 5 authors

No abstract is available for this record.

Javid Majeed Pandith, Mohd Salim, Shakeb Akhtar, Sayeeduzzafar Qazi · 7 authors

While decentralized fintech platforms (DFPs) are a viable alternative to traditional financial systems, their widespread adoption is hindered by cybersecurity concerns. This study investigates the factors shaping user intentions to adopt DFPs amid these perceived cyber risks. Situated within the global challenge of financing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this research explores DFP adoption as a potential mechanism for enhancing financial inclusion (SDG 10), fostering innovation in financial infrastructure (SDG 9), and promoting inclusive economic growth (SDG 8). Using a hybrid model that merges the technology acceptance model with trust theory, we surveyed 554 business and engineering students across five Indian metropolitan hubs a demographic representing a tech-forward segment of Gen Z poised to be early adopters. Structural equation modelling reveals that while fintech literacy and risk tolerance are significant preconditions, adoption intention is most powerfully predicted by social influence (β = 0.271, p < 0.001) and perceived security in the underlying technology (β = 0.186, p < 0.000). This suggests that for these vanguard users, the decision to adopt is driven more by social validation and technological faith than by individual technical competency. Furthermore, trust moderates the relationship between fintech literacy, perceived security and risk tolerance on the intent to adopt. The paper contributes a comprehensive framework that clarifies users’ adoption motives, aiding researchers who study DFP user behavior in developing nations. The findings provide a critical roadmap for policymakers, developers, and international development agencies aiming to harness digital finance for the 2030 Agenda, demonstrating that building trusted, community-driven ecosystems is paramount to realizing the developmental potential of decentralized technologies.

Elsir Ali Saad Mohamed, Khalid Ibrahim Abdelaziz Ishag, Omnia Salem, Ahd M. M. Abudraz · 8 authors

The convergence of blockchain technology and the Metaverse is redefining digital media ownership and distribution. Drawing on survey data from 613 digital media professionals and a qualitative synthesis of literature (2023–2026), this study examines how blockchain-based mechanisms—specifically non-fungible tokens (NFTs), smart contracts, and decentralized identity (DID) solutions—are associated with creator sovereignty and platform interoperability. Using a moderated chain mediation model within a socio-technical systems framework, the analysis shows that blockchain integration is associated with lower perceptions of platform dependency. This association is linked to a sequential pathway whereby higher decentralized governance is associated with lower intermediary control, which in turn is associated with higher creator monetization autonomy. Connectedness to decentralized protocols differentially shaped these processes: at the technical level, stronger protocol integration strengthened the negative association between blockchain adoption and intermediary dependence; however, at the governance level, a paradoxical pattern emerged, whereby stronger decentralization was associated with higher perceived governance overload in the context of algorithmic decision-making. By disentangling the technical and governance pathways, this study extends current understanding of digital media ecosystems beyond simple use-outcome associations. The findings highlight the importance of considering individual differences in digital literacy and institutional trust when designing blockchain governance frameworks. We conclude that blockchain is not merely an incremental improvement but a necessary architectural requirement for a resilient and equitable Metaverse, contingent upon addressing the risks of surveillance federalism and the digital divide.

Wurood Razzq Jawad, Raidaa Abdl Muttaleb Mutlag

The aim of this research is to analyze the impact of Decentralized Finance (DeFi) platforms on the competitiveness of Iraqi private banks on the basis of the relationship between DeFi and the dimensions of competitiveness which are represented by operational efficiency, financial innovation and market share. This study used descriptive-analytical approach, and A questionnaire was distributed to employees of Iraqi private banks, who constituted the study sample and The study sample consisted of employees of Iraqi private banks. The data were analysed statistically with the SPSS software by appropriate statistical methods like correlation coefficient and regression analysis. The results of the research showed a positive and significant relationship between decentralized finance and banking competitiveness. In addition, the result of the regression analysis showed that the DeFi platforms had a significant effect on competitiveness, accounting for 59.2% of the variance (R-squared). The findings clearly show that decentralized finance helps to increase the operational efficiency and improve financial innovation, but with a moderate effect on market share. The study calls for Iraqi banks to embrace financial technology (FinTech) and improve their digital framework. Further, they need to be innovative and partner with FinTech firms to strengthen their competitive edge, given the fast pace of digital transformation.

Ekaterina S. Avdeeva, Vitaly S. Reznik

The article proposes a governance mechanism for a blockchain-based decentralized certification system to validate school students’ achievements in additional IT education. The relevance stems from the rapid growth of project-based and short-term learning formats and the fragmentation of credentials, which undermines trust and portability across organizations. The study aims to develop a governance model (stakeholders, roles, responsibilities, access rules), describe an implementation algorithm, and propose an effectiveness evaluation framework at institutional and regional levels. It is argued that technological robustness is unattainable without institutional design: distribution of authority, validation and revocation procedures, and separation of data layers in compliance with minors’ personal data protection requirements. A permissioned consortiumbased distributed ledger architecture is considered, where education providers issue verifiable registry records and verifiers access credential status through controlled mechanisms. The paper also links registry-based certification with the concept of micro-credentials for modular IT learning outcomes and specifies effect metrics: reduced verification transaction costs, shorter confirmation time, improved transparency, and lower fraud risks.

Ronansa Vaza Bramudya, Ratna Roostika, Nur Aima Syafie

The rapid growth of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) has increased competition among digital marketplaces and heightened the need to understand factors that drive consumer purchase intention. However, NFT platforms still face challenges related to technological complexity and trust, which may hinder user participation. This study examines the effects of social influence, effort expectancy, performance expectancy, and trust on purchase intention in the Magic Eden NFT marketplace using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) framework. This research contributes by extending the UTAUT model to the NFT marketplace context and highlighting the pivotal role of trust in shaping user perceptions and behavioral intentions. A quantitative approach was employed by collecting data from 251 Magic Eden users through an online questionnaire distributed via social media and crypto communities. The data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with SmartPLS to test the proposed relationships. The results indicate that social influence, effort expectancy, and performance expectancy have significant positive effects on purchase intention. Trust also has a strong positive effect on effort expectancy and performance expectancy, as well as a direct positive effect on purchase intention. Among the examined relationships, trust shows the strongest influence on users’ perceived ease of use of the platform. Overall, the findings suggest that strengthening trust and improving platform usability are essential for increasing purchase intention in NFT marketplaces.

Michael Kah Ong Goh, Yu-Xian Cheng, Check-Yee Law, Connie Tee · 6 authors

Traditional ticketing systems often suffer from major drawbacks such as ticket fraud, duplication, inflated resale prices, lack of transparency, and centralized control over transactions. These issues result in reduced trust and limited flexibility for both event organizers and ticket buyers, especially in unregulated secondary markets. To address these gaps, this paper presents the design and development of a Decentralized Ticketing System (DTS) using Web3 technologies. The system leverages Ethereum blockchain, smart contracts written in Solidity, and NFT-based ticket issuance to ensure security, transparency, and verifiable ownership. Features include wallet-based login via MetaMask, multi-ticket purchasing, QR-based validation, controlled resale pricing, and seller revenue withdrawal. Smart contract reliability is enhanced using OpenZeppelin libraries and tested with Mocha and Chai. By decentralizing control and automating ticket processes, the proposed DTS enhances current practices by offering a more secure, tamper-proof, and user-centric ticketing alternative that mitigates fraud and enables transparent peer-to-peer interactions. The architecture of this system integrates a decentralized storage and interaction layer that connects the blockchain smart contracts with a web-based user interface which allow organizers to create events and sell tickets while buyers can securely browse, purchase, and manage their digital assets. The system also demonstrates how blockchain-based ticketing can improve traceability, reduce intermediaries, and support fairer event ecosystems for stakeholders across industry.

Madhusudan Narayan, Ashutosh Sharma, Ashok Srivastava

This research investigates the use of financial technology (FinTech), decentralized financing (DeFi), and digital marketing (DM) to improve financial inclusion in India. It fills crucial research gaps by investigating the impact of behavioral intent, trust, usability, and social influence on mobile banking and DeFi uptake, as well as the role of DM in advancing these initiatives. A thorough literature analysis was undertaken, including databases such as Emerald Insight, ScienceDirect, and JSTOR, to identify gaps and analyze trends in FinTech and DM. DeFi’s blockchain-based strategy eliminates traditional intermediaries, increasing transparency, cost efficiency, and accessibility. DM is critical in fostering financial literacy and adoption by providing customized, culturally appropriate material. Adoption is influenced by key characteristics such as behavioral intent, trust, and usefulness. Partnerships between FinTech, DeFi platforms, and conventional banks are critical to increasing inclusiveness while resolving regulatory and ethical concerns. The research underlines the need of rules that encourage innovation while protecting consumers. 188 Financial institutions are urged to employ FinTech, DeFi, and DM to provide user-friendly, inclusive products, and increase their reach. Researchers should conduct qualitative and longitudinal research to capture cultural and societal influences while addressing regulatory and ethical issues in DeFi. This study offers practical insights into how FinTech, DeFi, and DM may increase financial inclusion, empower underprivileged populations, and promote economic growth and support economy.

Parimala. S, Dr. Annadurai

Abstract: People who have digital accounts for banking, trading, and financial investment opportunities. The growing adoption of fintech apps has changed the way investors behave, especially tech-savvy users like IT professionals in Bengaluru. This review paper seeks to reconnect the dots between ABFS and investor behaviour by reviewing large sample of literature spanning the years 2002–2026. This research adopts the key theoretical frameworks: Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), behavioural finance theory and trust theory. The research method adopted was systematic literature review that was carried out by employing Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and peer-reviewed journals. According to the results, the main factors that explain the financial behaviour of adoption and investment are: financial awareness, the digital financial literacy, ease of use, Accessibility, Trust and Security, and Risk perception. The review also highlights some key gaps in the existing research, such as a lack of qualitative research, the absence of longitudinal studies, a narrow provision of emerging market studies, and poor focus on decentralized finance and AI-based investment applications. The paper proposes a conceptual and Structural Equation Model (SEM)-based framework explaining the relationship between technological, behavioural, and psychological factors influencing investor behaviour. Its finding will be valuable for the scientific community as it lays the basis for an integrated framework in understanding the adoption of fintech in emerging economies, and will also be helpful for policy makers, fintech developers and researchers Keywords: Application-based financial services, fintech adoption, investor behaviour, financial literacy, SEM model, trust and security, risk perception, digital investment platforms, TAM, TPB & UTAUT. Title: APPLICATION-BASED FINANCIAL SERVICES AND INVESTOR BEHAVIOUR IN INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT PRACTICES: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF THEORETICAL INSIGHTS, TRENDS, AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS Author: Parimala.S, Dr. Annadurai International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations ISSN 2348-7585 (Online) Vol. 14, Issue 1, April 2026 - September 2026 Page No: 502-513 Research Publish Journals Website: www.researchpublish.com Published Date: 04-June-2026 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20542559 Paper Download Link (Source) https://www.researchpublish.com/papers/application-based-financial-services-and-investor-behaviour-in-investment-management-practices-a-systematic-review-of-theoretical-insights-trends-and-future-directions

Abishai Joy Paul, B u Muthamma

Blockchain technology and cryptocurrency have emerged as two of the most consequential financial innovations of the past two decades, yet the gap between their theoretical potential and real-world adoption within mainstream financial services remains conspicuously wide. This paper investigates that gap through a mixed-methods approach, combining a systematic review of thirty peer-reviewed academic sources with primary survey data drawn from 102 respondents representing young, digitally literate demographics. The study finds that while awareness of blockchain and cryptocurrency is relatively widespread, deep comprehension, active usage, and genuine user trust remain limited. Survey respondents show cautious optimism rather than firm conviction — the majority are open to engaging with blockchain-based financial services but are held back by concerns over security, regulatory legitimacy, and a general unfamiliarity with how these technologies actually function. The research identifies four interconnected barriers to adoption: trust deficits, regulatory fragmentation, scalability constraints, and the persistent gap between surface-level awareness and functional understanding. The study concludes that blockchain and cryptocurrency are not questions of 'if' but of 'when' and 'how' — and that realising their potential will require coordinated effort from regulators, financial institutions, technology developers, and educators acting simultaneously rather than sequentially.

Andriy Melnyk

The purpose of this paper is to identify the industry-specific and geographic patterns that shape the adoption of Web 3.0 technologies among Fortune Global 500 companies. The study addresses a gap in the existing literature by shifting attention from isolated technological applications such as blockchain, decentralized finance, artificial intelligence, and immersive environments toward a broader comparative analysis of how large multinational corporations adopt Web 3.0 across sectors and countries. Methodology. The paper is based on an empirical classification of Fortune Global 500 companies for 2024 into adopters and non-adopters of Web 3.0 technologies. The dataset includes 500 firms and covers sector affiliation, country of origin, employee counts, selected financial indicators, company characteristics, and a binary indicator of adoption status. The analysis applies descriptive statistics, comparative analysis, and cross-tabulations using publicly available data from annual reports, strategic plans, press releases, marketing materials, news coverage, and business databases. Results. The findings show that Web 3.0 adoption is significant but uneven: 216 companies are identified as adopters, while 284 are classified as non-adopters, indicating that Web 3.0 remains in a transitional stage of corporate diffusion. Adoption is concentrated in digitally intensive sectors such as Information Technology Services, Computer Software, Entertainment, Apparel, and selected Health Care activities, whereas sectors such as Transportation and Logistics, Real Estate, Homebuilders, and Medical Products and Equipment demonstrate limited or no adoption in the dataset. Geographic differences are also substantial, with adoption present in 25 out of 35 countries represented in the sample, although the intensity of adoption varies across national contexts. The results confirm that Web 3.0 diffusion is shaped by the interaction of sectoral structure, strategic fit, and geographic environment rather than by a uniform technological trajectory. Practical implications. The paper suggests that managers should approach Web 3.0 as a strategic option whose relevance depends on alignment with the firm’s business model, customer value proposition, governance needs, and innovation capabilities. Value/originality. The originality of the study lies in its cross-sectoral and cross-national perspective on Web 3.0 adoption among the world’s largest corporations, offering a more nuanced understanding of digital transformation in the Web 3.0 era and demonstrating that adoption is patterned, selective, and contingent rather than universal.

Hui Jia, Daehwan Kim, Hyunjin Kwon

Sports non-fungible tokens (NFTs) have rapidly emerged as tradable digital goods within platform-mediated marketplaces, reshaping how sports organizations, athletes, and brands design fan experiences and monetize digital assets. To consolidate fragmented scholarship and clarify the concept space, this study conducts a systematic quantitative literature review combined with thematic analysis, following PRISMA 2020 and a SPIDER-guided review logic. Searches across six major databases (Web of Science, Scopus, ScienceDirect, PubMed, IEEE Xplore, ProQuest) plus Google Scholar (2017–March 2025) yielded 40 peer-reviewed studies that met predefined inclusion criteria and passed quality appraisal. Results show a sharp growth of sports-NFT research from 2021 to 2024, with strong inter-disciplinary convergence spanning sports marketing, information systems, computer science, and law. Integrating findings through a consumer-value lens, we inductively propose a five-type taxonomy—collectible, empowerment, identity/authentication, physical-asset linked, and virtual-interaction NFTs—each associated with distinct value mechanisms and e-commerce functionalities. The thematic synthesis further identifies four dominant research streams (industry digitalization, consumer psychology/behavior, legal–regulatory issues, and digital marketing), while revealing gaps in theory operationalization, method diversity (e.g., limited experiments/longitudinal designs), cross-context generalizability, and governance/sustainability. The study contributes to marketing and management scholarship by positioning sports NFTs as emerging technologies that reorganize customer engagement, brand-community building, and governance in platform-mediated sport markets, and it offers a research agenda for measuring consumer, brand, and organizational effects.

Zhichen Hu, B X, Rubing Bai

ABSTRACT The Non‐Fungible Token (NFT) market exhibits sustained activity, with secondary trading accounting for the majority of overall volume and creator revenue in recent years. Unlike primary mints of untraded NFTs, secondary purchases involve tokens with established ownership transfer histories recorded transparently and immutably on the blockchain. This study examines how these transaction histories shape consumers' value perceptions and purchase intentions. Based on a social value lens and cue‐utilization theory, we propose that transaction histories serve as diagnostic cues signaling perceived popularity, thereby enhancing social value and driving purchase intentions. Three preregistered experiments with NFT‐experienced participants support this framework. We find that traded (vs. untraded) NFTs elicit higher purchase intentions, an effect that emerges even with a single prior transaction and does not significantly increase with more transactions (Study 1). This relationship is serially mediated by perceived popularity and social value (Study 2). Furthermore, the effect is stronger when transaction histories are recent (vs. outdated) (Study 3). These findings highlight the psychological mechanisms underlying secondary market dominance in NFTs, emphasizing verifiable transaction records as key to fostering perceived community endorsement in liquid digital consumption contexts. The results offer implications for NFT ecosystem strategies, such as prioritizing active trading to sustain social value and long‐term viability.

Kemardo Tyrell, Khalid Ballouli, ALBERTO MAYDEU-OLIVARES, Andrew Goldsmith

Purpose This study examines adoption intentions for sports non-fungible tokens (NFTs) using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT2) as an analytical framework. Specifically, it investigates how established technology adoption constructs operate in the context of blockchain-enabled, fan-oriented digital assets among prospective non-users. Design/methodology/approach Survey data were collected from 350 prospective sports NFT non-adopters. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to test the influence of six UTAUT2 constructs—performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, hedonic motivation, and price value—on behavioral intention. Habit was excluded due to the non-adopter sample. Findings Effort expectancy (β = 0.257, p = 0.010), facilitating conditions (β = 0.234, p = 0.048), and hedonic motivation (β = 0.296, p = 0.023) positively predicted behavioral intention, underscoring the importance of perceived usability, institutional support, and experiential appeal. Performance expectancy demonstrated a significant negative relationship (β = −0.254, p = 0.010), suggesting that strong functional expectations may generate skepticism in speculative digital asset markets. Social influence approached significance, while price value was not significant. Overall, prospective adopters prioritized emotional engagement and ease of interaction over economic considerations or normative pressures. Originality/value This study extends UTAUT2 to an emerging sport technology context and demonstrates how traditional adoption mechanisms recalibrate when applied to symbolic, blockchain-enabled fan assets. It contributes to sport management and technology adoption literature by highlighting the distinct motivational structure underlying early-stage sports NFT adoption.

AlMur Mohammed

Purpose The purpose of this study was to examine perceptions held by direct and indirect stakeholders regarding the use of smart contracts through blockchain technology for public procurement in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Design/methodology/approach The methodology for this research was a questionnaire that was filled out by members of the public, potential users, government officials and those working with the technology as the use of smart contracts for public procurement in Dubai, UAE. The data collected was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS), which is used for the statistical evaluation of data. In addition, descriptive analysis, regression analysis, statistical significance and structural equation modelling analysis was used to create in depth analysis of the data. Findings The findings revealed that a significant positive influence could be found on behavioural intention where relative advantage, trialability, observability, perceived compatibility, perceived enjoyment and technology awareness were in place. However, factors such as complexity, perceived risk and perceived constraints from suppliers, regulations and business partners were found to apply a significant negative influence on the behavioural intention. Social implications In terms of blockchain and smart contracts, social impact should be studied so that future design can reflect those areas in which the technology services individuals within the system. As a result, the gap in literature is focused on the way in which perceptions of users impact the efficiency of a system and the way in which the system can service those individuals who would use the process. Originality/value This research is important because it represents the level of acceptance that exists in terms of smart contracts and provides an understanding of how change may be resisted as public procurement is conducted through smart contracts. This study contributes to the literature in several different ways. An analysis of blockchain technology as it relates to performance and efficiency in public procurement within the UAE was found to support the theory that blockchain technology can enhance public projects at the governmental level. The perceptions of the disruptive qualities of the technology as examined through technological acceptance model, Technology-Organization-Environment and Innovation Diffusion Theory supported an understanding of the capabilities of users to adapt to the technology. In turn, recommendations concerning the transition and possibilities of smart contracts for the public procurement process was supported.

Elizabeth Nathania Witanto, Christopher Andreas, Rudi Limantara, Luiz Fernando · 6 authors

Event ticketing systems, such as concerts, festivals, and sports matches, face persistent challenges, including ticket forgery, duplication, resale manipulation, and fraud in secondary markets. Centralized electronic ticketing systems, while digitized, remain vulnerable to identity theft, seller unaccountability, and unfair distribution due to their reliance on intermediaries and a single point of failure. To address these issues, this research introduces Ontix, a decentralized blockchain-based e-ticketing platform utilizing Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) compliant with the ERC-721 standard. By leveraging blockchain’s immutability, transparency, and decentralization, Ontix ensures verifiable ownership, tamper-proof ticket issuance, and automated transactions through smart contracts. The system enforces anti-scalping measures, including resale time and price limits, while enabling real-time QR-based validation directly linked to smart contracts. Ontix integrates Layer-2 Optimism Sepolia for scalability and lower gas fees, and employs the InterPlanetary File System (IPFS) via Pinata for decentralized metadata storage, alongside Cloudinary for media management. This hybrid architecture guarantees transparency, security, and operational efficiency. By eliminating intermediaries and automating ticket lifecycle management, Ontix provides an accountable, tamper-resistant, and low-cost e-ticketing ecosystem, as well as a user-centric ticketing ecosystem, representing a significant advancement toward the future of decentralized event management.

Meng Yu, Keyi Guo, Yi Shang, Li X · 5 authors

Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) represent an emerging innovation in tourism, enabling destinations to create digital assets embedded within socio-technical ecosystems. Drawing on assemblage theory and qualitative data from netnography and semi-structured interviews, this study explores how motivations and constraints of tourism NFT consumption emerge through consumer interactions. Findings identify self-extension motivations including memorization, symbolic meanings, and socialization, and self-expansion motivations including ownership, economic and transferability benefits, hedonism, and learning. Additionally self-restriction and self-reduction constraints are identified. These findings advance understanding of tourism NFTs from an interaction-centric perspective and provide practical strategies for destinations marketing using blockchain technologies.

Md. Abu Issa Gazi, Sofiane Laradi, Amina Elfekair, Afaf Ahmed · 6 authors

Understanding users’ continued usage beyond initial adoption is fundamental to the long-term success of any technology. Notwithstanding the growth of cryptocurrency usage, studies have primarily examined factors explaining use intention (pre-adoption), whereas understanding continued use remains limited (post-adoption). Consequently, this study aims to examine continuance intentions to use cryptocurrency among Malaysians by employing the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), integrating attitudes, trust, and technology readiness. Using a quantitative approach based on self-reported data collected via snowball sampling, structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis reveals that the determinants of UTAUT are positively associated with attitudes toward and trust in cryptocurrency, except for the association between effort expectancy and attitudes. Additionally, trust, attitudes, and technology readiness significantly influence continuance intention, accounting for 61% of its variance. This study makes modest theoretical contributions to the technology adoption literature by shifting the focus to cryptocurrency post-adoption (i.e., why people continue to use cryptocurrency), theorizing mechanisms linking attitude and trust within the UTAUT, and examining the role of technology readiness in predicting cryptocurrency adoption. This study provides actionable recommendations for cryptocurrency providers and policymakers to nurture sustained use of decentralized digital currencies.

Sukontip Wongpun Sukontip Wongpun, Athanasios Podaras Athanasios Podaras, Rungsan Suwannahong Rungsan Suwannahong, Sureerut Inmor Sureerut Inmor

No abstract is available for this record.

Roslan Abdul Wahab, Ummul Hanan Mohamad, Mohammad Nazir Ahmad

Cooperatives continuously faced governance challenges related to transparency, accountability, and member participation as decision-making processes became more complex. Hence, it was proposed that blockchain-based Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs) could serve as a governance mechanism. Despite this potential, DAO governance systems remained difficult for many cooperative members to trust, adopt, and interpret. This is even more so when the governance processes involve technically complex blockchain information. Therefore, this study aims to develop a set of conceptual design principles to explain how visualization can support trustworthy DAO governance in a cooperative. This study adopted a design-oriented conceptual approach. Focusing on Cognitive Fit Theory and Trust Theory, and current research on blockchain governance and cooperative decision-making, this paper depicts how visualization functions as a cognitive mechanism that drives members’ understanding of governance processes and outcomes. The analysis identified six key principles, which included emphasized interpretability over technical completeness, cognitive load reduction, process visibility, inclusivity, and trust support in visualization-based DAO governance. These principles highlighted that transparency in blockchain was not achieved only through data availability, but via visual presentation of governance information in forms that align with users’ cognitive processing capabilities. This paper contributed to the body of knowledge involving digital governance and blockchain adoption by offering theory-informed design knowledge that extends beyond the technology acceptance model. The proposed design principles provide a foundation for future research and offer practical guidance for organizations and system developers in supporting inclusive, understandable, and trustworthy DAO-based governance in cooperatives.

Sohan Kamble, Kartik Kalsarpe, Bansod Sneha Bharat

Although blockchain technology has demonstrated promise in various application fields, its technical intricacy, usability challenges and substantial onboarding obstacles impede broad mainstream acceptance. Earlier studies have primarily concentrated on protocol scalability, security and financial applications with less emphasis, on user adoption strategies. In response this paper aims to examine how these challenges are tackled and mass involvement is facilitated through gamified and mobile-centric Web3 ecosystems. The research conducts an evaluation of key Web3 platforms encompassing gamified tap-, to-earn frameworks, mobile-centric blockchain involvement approaches and social media-integrated mini-applications assessed through onboarding challenges, engagement strategies, network impact, token allocation and scalability metrics. The findings reveal that streamlined interaction designs, mobile compatibility and social connectivity have greatly lowered participation obstacles while maintaining user involvement and exponential expansion. Based on this, the paper therefore advances the GMS framework, which abstracts the adoption of blockchain as the additive influence of gamification, mobile-first design, and social-platform integration. The framework shifts the emphasis from infrastructure-centric optimization to user-centered system design and contributes to blockchain adoption research by providing insights relevant to the development of inclusive and scalable Web3 ecosystems.

Devid Jegerson, Charilaos Mertzanis

No abstract is available for this record.

Yutian Cai

Fintech enterprises operate at the intersection of rapid technological innovation and stringent regulatory oversight, creating a complex organizational challenge. This review systematically examines organizational restructuring strategies that enable fintech firms to balance innovation and compliance. Drawing on the concepts of ambidexterity and contingency theory, the paper analyzes functional, divisional, matrix, and networked structures, highlighting their respective advantages and limitations for fostering innovation and ensuring regulatory adherence. Cross-functional teams, hybrid models, and embedded compliance practices emerge as key enablers for achieving dual objectives. The synthesis provides practical guidance for managers seeking to design adaptable organizational architectures, while also offering theoretical contributions to the literature on innovation management and regulatory alignment. Future research directions include cross-country comparisons, longitudinal studies, and exploration of emerging fintech models such as decentralized finance platforms.