Government by Code? Blockchain Applications to Public Sector Governance

Authors

Pedro Bustamante, University of Pittsburgh - School of Information Sciences, StudentsFollow
Meina CaiFollow
Marcela Gomez, University of Pittsburgh - School of Information SciencesFollow
Colin Harris, Saint Olaf College Department of EconomicsFollow
Prashabnt Krishnamurthy, University of PittsburghFollow
Wilson Law, Baylor University Hankamer School of BusinessFollow
Michael J. Madison, University of PIttsburgh School of LawFollow
Ilia Murtazashvili, University of Pittsburgh - Graduate School of Public and International AffairsFollow
Jennifer Brick Murtazashvili, University of PittsburghFollow
Tymofiy Mylovanov, University of Pittsburgh - Department of EconomicsFollow
Nataliia Shapoval, Kyiv School of Economics
Annette Vee, University of Pittsburgh Department of English
Martin B. H. Weiss, University of Pittsburgh - School of Computing and InformationFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

6-2022

Abstract

Studies of blockchain governance can be divided into analyses of the governance of blockchains (such as rules and power dynamics within a given network) and governance by blockchains (such as how blockchains can be implemented to improve self-governance of community-based peer production networks). Less emphasis has been placed on applications of distributed ledgers to public sector governance. Our review clarifies that the decentralization and distributive features that enable blockchains to link up loosely connected private organizations and public agencies to improve efficiency and transparency of government transactions. However, most blockchain applications lack clear advantages over the conventional digital recording of information. In addition, our review highlights that blockchain applications in public sector governance are potentially vast, though in most instances, the existing applications have not extended much beyond limitedscale pilots. We conclude with a call for the construction of indexes of public sector implementations of blockchains, as noneyet exist, as well as for additional research to understand why governments have not deployed blockchains more widely.

Recommended Citation

Pedro Bustamante, Meina Cai, Marcela Gomez, Colin Harris, Prashabnt Krishnamurthy, Wilson Law, Michael J. Madison, Ilia Murtazashvili, Jennifer B. Murtazashvili, Tymofiy Mylovanov, Nataliia Shapoval, Annette Vee & Martin B. Weiss, Government by Code? Blockchain Applications to Public Sector Governance, 5 Frontiers in Blockchain 1, Art. 869665 (2022).
Available at: https://scholarship.law.pitt.edu/fac_articles/534