Blockchain Papers

Romain Caillière, Samir Aknine, Antoine Nongaillard, Sarvapali D. Ramchurn

International audience

Peter Alstone

This work explores the intersections of information technology and off-grid electricity deployment in the developing world with focus on a key instance: the emergence of pay-as-you-go (PAYG) solar household-scale energy systems. It is grounded in detailed field study by my research team in Kenya between 2013-2014 that included primary data collection across the solar supply chain from global businesses through national and local distribution and to the end-users. We supplement the information with business process and national survey data to develop a detailed view of the markets, technology systems, and individuals who interact within those frameworks. The findings are presented in this dissertation as a series of four chapters with introductory, bridging, and synthesis material between them. The first chapter, Decentralized Energy Systems for Clean Electricity Access, presents a global view of the emerging off-grid power sector. Long-run trends in technology create “a unique moment in history” for closing the gap between global population and access to electricity, which has stubbornly held at 1-2 billion people without power since the initiation of the electric utility business model in the late 1800’s. We show the potential for widespread near-term adoption of off-grid solar, which could lead to ten times less inequality in access and also ten times lower household-level climate impacts. Decentralized power systems that replace fuel-based incumbent lighting can advance the causes of climate stabilization, economic and social freedom and human health.Chapters two and three are focused on market and institutional dynamics present circa 2014 in for off-grid solar with a focus on the Kenya market. Chapter 2, “Off-grid Power and Connectivity”, presents our findings related to the widespread influence of information technology across the supply chain for solar and in PAYG approaches. Using digital financing and embedded payment verification technology, PAYG businesses can help overcome key barriers to adoption of off-grid energy systems. The framework provides financing (or energy service payment structures) for users of off-grid solar, and we show is also instrumental for building trust in off-grid solar technology, facilitating supply chain coordination, and creating mechanisms and incentives for after-sales service. Similar models are also being tested and launched for on-grid electricity (pre-pay energy meters) and agricultural water pumping among others. While there is a clear potential to extend the reach of critical infrastructure networks, there are also important concerns for achieving equitable and sustained access. Some are at the business network level, where telecommunications firms have a unique role as gatekeepers and enablers of mobile communication systems and (sometimes) also competing participants in the emerging PAYG market. Another is the importance of balancing privacy and the value of data-driven technology systems like PAYG. We talked with users who both recognized the value in their personal data and were concerned about widespread sharing beyond the boundary of the retail-facing firms that they interact with. Overall the work highlights how information and energy systems are co-evolving at the edge of the grid. Chapter 3, Quality Communication, delves into detail on the information channels (both incumbent and ICT-based) that link retailers with regional and global markets for solar goods. In it we uncover the linked structure of physical distribution networks and the pathway for information about product characteristics (including, critically, the quality of products). The work shows that a few key decisions about product purchasing at the wholesale level, in places like Nairobi (the capital city for Kenya) create the bulk of the choice set for retail buyers, and show how targeting those wholesale purchasers is critically important for ensuring good-quality products are available. Chapter 4, the last in this dissertation, is titled Off-grid solar energy services enabled and evaluated through information technology and presents an analytic framework for using remote monitoring data from PAYG systems to assess the joint technological and behavioral drivers for energy access through solar home systems. Using large-scale (n ~ 1,000) data from a large PAYG business in Kenya (M-KOPA), we show that people tend to co-optimize between the quantity and reliability of service, using 55% of the energy technically possible but with only 5% system down time. Half of the users move their solar panel frequently (in response to concerns about theft, for the most part) and these users experienced 20% lower energy service quantities. The findings illustrate the implications of key trends for off-grid power: evolving system component technology architectures, opportunities for improved support to markets, and the use of background data from business and technology systems. Overall the work reveals both opportunities and pitfalls in a combined information-energy system. With increased visibility and control of the system there are opportunities to better support the market, but there are often disincentives to share certain data for private sector actors that operate the decentralized power system and frictions at the interface of mismatched information systems. If barriers to interoperability and scale are addressed, basic human needs for energy can be met by solar at an accelerated pace through connections to emerging information technology and business networks that extend beyond the margins of the grid.

Sandeep Verma

No abstract is available for this record.

Malin Lindberg


 
 
 This article examines whether hitherto marginalized actors, industries and innovations – such as women, services industries and service innovations – could be acknowledged by the use of a bottom-up approach in innovation research in a way that helps make public innovation support more inclusive. It is scrutinized whether the relation between context, organization and outcomes in publically financed innovation networks such as clusters and innovation systems serves to highlight how more inclusive innovation support could be designed. Four regional innovation networks promoting women’s entrepreneurship and innovation in Sweden are analyzed by a bottom-up approach, since while emphasizing decentralization and inclusion in theory, most innovation theories and policies are in practice characterized by a top-down approach, ascribing superiority to certain actors, industries and innovations while marginalizing others in a distinct – often gendered – pattern. The bottom-up approach makes it possible to expose that being a marginalized actor in public innovation support is related to the organization of entrepreneurial types of innovation systems, based on contacts established ad hoc and resources gathered from scratch, making a wider range of actors, industries and innovations relevant than in institutional types of innovation systems favored in prevalent public innovation support. By acknowledging both types of innovation systems, more inclusive innovation policies could be designed and more nuanced innovation theories could be developed.
 
 

Ming-Hsiung Hsiao, Liang-Chun Chen

No abstract is available for this record.

Luis Andrés, Dan Biller, Jordan Schwartz

This paper proposes an economic logic for underpinning decentralization in the infrastructure sectors. It starts by detailing the definition of the infrastructure gap and the methodologies to calculate it. It provides some global trends for developing countries in terms of the gap and briefly discusses financing possibilities for developing countries to address the gap. Then it turns to the discussion of the link between the infrastructure gap and decentralization, providing a typology infrastructure subsectors and possible jurisdiction of service provision. It briefly discusses the potential for raising local finances for provision and the relationship between poverty and provision. While it is very difficult to provide blanket recommendations on decentralizing the various sectors and respective subcomponents of infrastructure services, the paper offers a set of guidelines to direct policymakers in their decision to decentralize or not. First, decentralization is intrinsically neither good nor bad for infrastructure; its impact depends entirely on the incentives facing the various decision-makers in the decentralization process; second, decentralization is most fruitful when the decision-makers bear the financial and political cost with respect to design, finance, operation and maintenance; and, finally, political leaders are accountable to their constituents for the manner in which they spend tax revenues and how they use and allocate transfers from the central government.

Muhammad Asim Tufail, Abu Hassan Abu Bakar, Wiwied Virgiyanti, Faisal Manzoor Arain

Technological development in the information and communication technologies (ICT) sector is essential to attain sustainability in today’s era. Cities have developed satellite towns at the periphery with hi-fidelity digital and physical infrastructure which converts a single cantered city into a multi cantered one. In case of Kuala Lumpur Metropolitan Area (KLMA) the shift of civic services to Putrajaya and development of Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) which offers incentives to local and foreign companies to develop a super block of research and development based economic sector. This development spearheaded the Malaysian Vision 2020 of knowledge based economy and society and has become an attraction to the business community across Malaysia. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the key factors that have attracted the companies to physically move from KLMA to MSC. To achieve the study objectives, a questionnaire survey and interviews were carried out to collect pertinent information from companies focusing on businesses in finance, insurance and real-estate. The data collected was analyzed to identify the ranking of variables of Bill of Guarantees offered in MSC policy. The study findings suggest that in addition to good infrastructure and good working environment, the tax exemption offered by the government has been the driving force for companies to decentralize towards MSC. The results suggest that the better infrastructure, connectivity, low taxes, low telecommunication tariffs, and land cost were considered as the most important factors for decentralization of ICT companies in Malaysia. The other factors that were highlighted in this study include low cost of doing business, and competitive conditions for attracting companies to avail MSC status. The study also presents the initial hindrances faced by the ICT companies i.e., accessibility issue for city clients and workers, high rental rates of the property and slow development of supportive public amenities in MSC

Ramchandra Pode

No abstract is available for this record.

Bjoern Buesing, Ming Yang

Decentralized or distributed small renewable power facilities are usually installed in local communities for households and small business companies. These facilities include solar PV, concentrated solar power, and wind power, etc. In order to promote installations of such facilities, governments in many countries have developed a number of policies and business models. For example, in Germany and Canada, electricity feed-in tariff policy and business model were developed; in the USA, tax rebate policies and relevant business models were promoted. These policies and models have in some but not in large scale promoted decentralized small renewable power in local communities. The key issue is that these policies and business models do not provide sufficient incentives to local distribution companies (LDC), nor to renewable power installers and users. This paper’s research covers the creation of a business and communication model, named as LDC model, to incentivize both renewable power installers/users and LDCs. This LDC model can play a key role in promoting decentralized small-scale generation (DSG) with renewable energy in local communities. The core element of the LDC model is a revenue model which serves as an instrument to finance renewable installations for households and small commercial businesses. A case study is undertaken with real data of a power distribution company in Toronto, Canada. This paper concludes that with appropriate government policy and with the development of customized information systems for accessing households and small business via internet, an LDC will be able to take leadership in investing and installing small renewable power, and consequently enlarge the share of renewable energy supply in its local power distribution network.

Yannick Glemarec

No abstract is available for this record.

Nikolei M. Kaplanov

In 1601, Elizabeth I and her government devalued the Irish coin from nine ounces fine to three ounces fine of silver in order to finance the high cost of the Nine Years War in Ireland. 1 This unilateral move by the English government, combined with the failure to remove the old sterling from circulation, caused catastrophic problems throughout Ireland. 2 In addition to rapid inflation in common foodstuffs, the people in Ireland would only accept the new coin at its reduced intrinsic value rather than face value. 3 Further, merchants refused to accept the devalued coin in commercial transactions leading to a shortage of vital goods from England. 4

Raffaele Adinolfi, Paola Adinolfi, Mita Marra

The paper reconstructs the path taken by the reform of public procurement in Italy which has gradually evolved from a and centralized market to an open and accessible one. Despite the development of the Electronic Public Administration Market Place (MEPA), information regarding its performance is scant. There are no available collected data on firm satisfaction. The paper discusses the role Consip, a public company owned by the Ministry of Economy and Finance, has played (and continues to play) to guide the decentralization of public e-procurement. At the same time it shows the results of a sample investigation aimed at analysing the level of satisfaction of small/medium enterprises (SMEs) participating in the MEPA. These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.

Per J. Agrell, Jérôme Pouyet

This paper covers network investment problems under decentralized control of regulation, infrastructure ownership and management. The model features two countries managing domestic infrastructures, used simultaneously for downstream international service provision. Initially, the welfare losses from non-cooperative investment financing policy and access pricing are derived. The impact of strategic interaction between the countries' access prices on the choice of financing policy is investigated. Under strict budget balancing, there are no incentives for efficiency improving investments. Further, investment coordination is shown useless in the absence of regulatory coordination. Illustrations from European network regulation policy for energy and rail are presented.

Sara Biancini

We consider the regulation of national firms in a common market. Regulators can influence the production of national firms but they incur in a positive cost of public funds. First, we show that market integration is welfare improving if and only if the efficiency gains compensate for the negative public finance effect (related to business stealing). We also show that supranational competition can have very different consequences on the rent seeking behaviour of firms, depending on cost correlation and ex-ante technological risk. Finally, we characterize the global optimum and show how it can be sustained in a decentralized bargaining solution.

Vrajlal K. Sapovadia, Rashid Rehman

No abstract is available for this record.

J.C.A.R. Nouwens, Harry Bouwman

The use of information technologies and services – group-decision-support systems, electronic mail, electronic data interchange (EDI) and electronic information services such as videotex, audiotex and CD-ROM, has received considerable attention in recent research. Of particular current interest is the study of integration of these different services in “networks” such as the Internet and their use in organizations and by individual consumers. In this study, we will argue that the use of telecommunication technologies and services will have its major impact on the coordination mechanisms of how organizations deal with their outside world (that is, the organizational environment). Our main question, therefore, is: How do telecommunication networks and services contribute to the development and maintenance of inter-organizational coordination? This question can be interpreted in two ways. First, what kind of benefits can be expected from the use of telecommunication networks and services for the development and maintenance of inter-organizational coordination? This question will be answered by presenting a theoretical framework in which the concept of networks is used to describe both organizations and telecommunications and to show how these concepts are interrelated. We will argue that the traditional dichotomy between (electronic) markets and hierarchies will be nuanced by offering a third option, the development of network-organizations. Secondly, we ask how telecommunication networks can be developed in order to facilitate the development and maintenance of inter-organizational coordination. We suggest that the way telecommunication networks and services are implemented will have significant impact on the way these networks are used. We will do so by focusing on the participating actors in the implementation phase of network development, and especially the role of system integrators in this process. Case studies have been done in the Dutch sectors of music retail, construction, agriculture and the hotel industry. Relationships between organizations develop on the basis of certain common interests and dependencies. An organization can be defined as a specific solution created by more or less autonomous actors to achieve common goals (Van de Vlist, 1988). Between organizations, relationships are developed for the exchange of goods, resources, information and so on. The inter-organizational relationships are most manifest in commercial transactions, in which goods or services are exchanged from one organization to another. Williamson (1975) has stated that transaction costs will rise when the unpredictability and uncertainty of events increases, and/or when transactions require very specific investments, and/or when the risk of opportunistic behavior of other organizations is high. Williamson argues the higher transaction costs are, the more likely transactions will take place within hierarchically organized firms. That is, when transaction costs are high, firms tend to choose vertical integration in order to control the transaction process. If transaction costs are low, that is; are straightforward, non- repetitive and require no transaction-specific investments, then the market is the optimal choice. Transaction costs thus depend upon the coordination mechanism being used. Markets are mainly coordinated by a price mechanism in which independent actors are searching for the best bargain. Firms are mainly coordinated by supervision in which actors who are involved in power-dependent relationships act according to routines. Powell (1990) has suggested that an alternative coordination structure is emerging: networks. Networks are groups of organizational actors who participate in a general pattern of interaction (Kreps, 1990). Networks can be groups of organizations, but also groups within organizations. Network-organizations stress the interdependence between organizational actors and thus pay a lot of attention to the development and maintenance of (communicative) relationships. At the same time, the different organizational actors have their own particular interests, and can be allied to different network-organizations. Thus, network-relationships can always be characterized by a tension between autonomy and interdependence, between team loyalty and individuality, between competition and cooperation. Traditionally, these networks are considered to be a hybrid form of market and hierarchies but Powell argues that this is “historically inaccurate, overly static, and it detracts from our ability to explain many forms of collaboration that are viable means of exchange.” (Powell, 1990, p. 298). That is, network forms of exchange have completely different modes of coordination that is neither price nor supervision, but mutual interest and interdependence (see Table 1). In line with Powell, we argue that network organizations are not equal to markets, since “central to the conceptualizations of the electronic marketplace is the ability of any buyer or seller to interconnect with a network to offer wares or shop for goods and services. Hence, ubiquity is by definition a prerequisite” (Steinfield, Plummer & Kraut, 1995). Ubiquity is - again, by definition - not a feature of a network organization, since interdependence has to exist; network organizations are built around general patterns of interaction. It is the relationship that counts: A relationship that is dependent on clear communication patterns in order to achieve a mutual understanding. Information and communication can determine whether these autonomous actors (individuals, groups or organizations as a whole) are able to work together. “Communication is defined as a process in which the participants create and share information with one another in order to reach a mutual understanding (….). In other words, communication always implies relationships” (Rogers & Kincaid, 1981). All inter-organizational relationships are characterized both by autonomy and interdependency, self-interest and team-spirit, competition and cooperation. These relationships are often described as value-added partnerships, that is, a set of independent organizations who cooperate to manage (information about) the flow of products and services in the value chain. The partnerships or inter-organizational networks can be either based on horizontal, vertical or symbiotic relationships. 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Mário Rui Silva, Hermano de França Rodrigues

In this contribution, we analyse the pattern of the so-called PIP (Partnerships and Public Initiatives) that have been approved between 2000 and mid-2003 in the POE1 framework. In particular, we will evaluate the extent of decentralisation that this new instrument has generated in competitiveness policy. Partnership approaches are a relatively recent phenomenon, but partnerships have received widespread attention and support from economic and political agents, including policy makers at national, regional and local levels. In fact, the term “public-private partnership” covers a wide range of concepts and practices. In our contribution, we will focus on partnerships in a competitiveness policy framework. In a first section, we discuss briefly the meaning and the extent of what we call competitiveness policy. Then, in a second section, we focus our attention in public-private partnerships as a specific instrument for policy. In particular, we make a first assessment on the distinctive principles that differentiate public-private partnerships from more traditional instruments such as direct investment in public agencies or direct subventions to firms. We follow the perspective that these principles, mainly decentralization of policy, may contribute to a greater effectiveness of policy, because a more decentralised policy is supposed to increase focus and accountability and to involve agencies with specialized skills and a more narrow range of objectives. But, also, we will refer that some inefficiencies and some lack of equity may arise from the use of private-public partnerships instrument. Finally, in the main section of this contribution, we will analyse the above-mentioned questions considering the case of the 131 PIP projects approved and financed by the POE between 2000 and mid-2003. As the major part of the variables used are nominal, and in order to define the decentralization pattern induced by this new instrument, we will use multivariate data analysis techniques in order to establish associations between several variables linked to decentralisation criteria and, also, to identify clusters of projects.

K M Baharul Islam

Implementing the African Information Society Initiative (AISI), African Ministers of Planning and Economic Development identified the use of ICTs in central Government and local administration as one of the priority sectors for the entry of Africa into the information era and as a means to support Government’s administration and decentralization process, which is consistent with Vision 2020 in developing electronic information for development in the Gambia. Responding to a request from the Hon. Secretary of State for Finance and Economic Affairs, of the Republic of The Gambia, The Executive Secretary of United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) sent a mission to the Gambia in November 2002 to carryout a preliminary assessment and discuss modalities for the design of e-Government Strategy for the Gambia with a view to start an e-Government pilot project between the Department of State for Finance and Economic Affairs and the Office of The President for the sharing of Financial and Economic Management data and information. It is envisaged that after the successful implementation of the pilot project, all the relevant institutions and services across the country will be subsequently interconnected electronically.

Y. Okamoto, Ichiro Yamada, Naoki Sugino

This paper discusses the nature of the paradigm shift that will be accelerated as the next-generation Internet (NGI) pervades society. First, we define the NGI society as one in which the network is so ubiquitous that no one will be conscious of connecting with it. Then we investigate trends and expectations of current NGI research and development projects worldwide. Secondly, we have performed comprehensive questionnaire-based market research into new technologies. This reveals that Japan can be expected to create global markets by developing NGI applications in home-electronic appliances, mobile assistants, transportation systems, and animation games. Furthermore, we generalize the discussion on the nature of the paradigm shift as follows. Although modern western rationalism produced the astonishing growth of the industrialized countries in the 19th-20th centuries, this approach alone no longer offers the prospect of much further advance. The 21st century paradigm for science and technology, for social, economic and governmental systems, and for industrial structures and working styles will necessarily shift towards autonomous and cooperative decentralization. The Internet is a decentralized computer system that is operated autonomously and cooperatively by individuals and small organizations. The NGI will further accelerate this paradigm shift. We conclude that this approach is essentially similar to the traditional oriental philosophy of harmony, and urge that it should be adopted in positioning Japan within the global, information-oriented network society of the 21st century.

Joan McGrory

No abstract is available for this record.

Inter American Development Bank

The paper provides information and analysis in support of the Bank's subnational development strategy (GN-2026). The strategy will guide future Bank operations in support of decentralization to address the complex issues countries are facing in their efforts to promote the socioeconomic development in subnational territories. The document is divided in three sections: the first section provides an overview of the decentralization process in Latin America and the Caribbean and sets the stage for an analysis of the key isuues that need to be addresses by the Bank when supporting the decentralization process in the region; the next chapter discusses the challenges confronted by subnational governments. The development of subnational governments is key to improving well-being. The next section focuses on the structure of intergovernmental relations and concludes that a well-designed structure provides subnational governments with incentives to efficiently allocate resources to the most socially profitable uses. The next chapter discusses the governance issues involved in decentralization, while the next section concentrates on the institucional aspects of the institucional aspects of decentralization and concludes that the Bank should emphasize the need for subnational governments to have sufficient institutional capacity at socially acceptable levels of performance. Finally, the last chapter discusses the variety of issues related to financing subnational governments and recommends that the Bank stress the paramount importance of sufficient sources of financing for ensuing good subnational government performance.

Paul J. J. Welfens, Cornelius Graack

No abstract is available for this record.

Michael Klein

A wave of privatization is sweeping the globe, affecting about 100 countries and adding up to an average of more than $60 billion a year in business in the past decade. The challenge is to ensure that privatization yields clear benefits. Empirical studies suggest that ownership change by itself will often yield results, especially when it reduces government interference. But the regulation required in areas of natural monopoly can become overly intrusive and undermine progress. Real competition is required to generate sizable and lasting welfare improvements. But in infrastructure sectors, the introduction of competition is complicated by the existence of complex transport and communications networks. Debate about whether and how to introduce competition in network industries is sometimes heated. Certain questions recur: Will continuing regulation be needed? Whether and at what terms will private finance be forthcoming? The author argues that policymakers need to understand how competitive forces can be brought to bear in network industries. He explains the following: 1) common principles that are often lost in"technical"debates about specific sectors; 2) various methods for introducing competition in network industries; 3) competition for the market, and bidding for franchises; 4) options for competition for existing networks; 5) options for expanding competitive systems by decentralizing investment in new network capacity; 6) the option of allowing competition among multiple networks; and 7) the implications of these options for the sectors and for financing industry expansion. In case of doubt, he contends, policymakers should not restrict the entry of competitive firms in such networks. If they do, entry restrictions should be subject to an automatic test after a set period, and reviewed for costs and benefits.

Emmanuel Salia

Ghana has recognized the need for efficient and reliable telecommunication services. The widespread availability of these services will promote the nation's economic advancement and the decentralization of the government's activities. To achieve the objective of bringing telecommunications to all the people of Ghana, private sector participation is considered essential as a source of management skills, technology, and financing that will be required for the provision of services. In order to attract such participation, Ghana is putting in place the necessary policy, institutional, and regulatory frameworks to create an enabling environment for private sector investment in the telecommunication sector.>