Blockchain Empowering Digital Economy

Big data has been upgraded to our national strategy and has become a catalyst for national and local economic development. With the further promotion of big data and artificial intelligence (AI), the new business model needs to optimize and upgrade. The integration of the blockchain industry will fully implement the digital China strategy and promote the application of big data in China.This unique compendium gives a comprehensive understanding of the blockchain content through the path of technological innovation. It enables readers to fully understand the role of blockchain in promoting the digital economy.The volume will be a useful reference guide for relevant personnel in state ministries and commissions, state-owned enterprises, big data, AI, as well as teachers, researchers and students in higher education institutions.

This book presents the key concepts of blockchain technology and an overview of the machinations of different blockchain ecosystems. It discusses the socioeconomic impact of this new technology, including its effects on sectors such as energy, data, capital markets, logistics, and gambling.

The Metaverse seamlessly integrates the real world with the virtual world and allows avatars to engage in a broad range of activities including entertainment, social networking, and trading. In this book, we dive into the Metaverse by discussing how blockchains connect various Metaverse components, digital currencies, and blockchain-empowered applications in the virtual world. On the other hand, Web3 has also attracted considerable attention due to its uniquely decentralized characteristics. The digital economy, currently undergoing a rapid development, is a critical driver to highly efficient societies. It is imperative that we investigate how to use Web3 technologies to address the critical concerns encountered during the development of the digital economy by fully exploring Web3. In this book, we also share insights into the Web3-based ecosystem in the Metaverse; topics of interest include decentralized finance, digital assets, the asset-trading market, etc. Unlike most works on the subject, this book mainly concentrates on insights and discussions regarding blockchain, the Metaverse and Web3. In other words, it focuses on using blockchain technologies to enable an ecosystem for both the Metaverse and Web3. Topics addressed include blockchain fundamentals, smart contracts, value circulation in the Metaverse, the connection between the Metaverse and Web3, the establishment of the Metaverse on the basis of blockchain technologies, decentralized autonomous organization, decentralized storage, digital economy, Web3-based economic systems for the Metaverse, etc. This book will be a valuable resource for students, researchers, engineers, and policymakers working in various areas related to blockchain, the Metaverse and Web3. We hope that it will also inspire readers from academia and industry alike, and ultimately help them create a truly open, fair, and rational ecosystem for the Metaverse and Web3.

As technology continues to revolutionise today’s economy, Big Data, Blockchain and Cryptocurrency are rapidly transforming themselves into mainstream functions within the financial services industry. This book examines each concept individually, analysing the opportunities and challenges they bring and exploring the potential for future development. The authors further evaluate the fusion of these three important products of the FinTech revolution, illustrating their combined influence on the digital economy. Providing a comprehensive analysis of three innovative technologies, this timely book will appeal to scholars researching innovation in the finance industry and financial services technology more specifically.

Bitcoin is starting to come into its own as a digital currency, but the blockchain technology behind it could prove to be much more significant. This book takes you beyond the currency ("Blockchain 1.0") and smart contracts ("Blockchain 2.0") to demonstrate how the blockchain is in position to become the fifth disruptive computing paradigm after mainframes, PCs, the Internet, and mobile/social networking. Author Melanie Swan, Founder of the Institute for Blockchain Studies, explains that the blockchain is essentially a public ledger with potential as a worldwide, decentralized record for the registration, inventory, and transfer of all assets—not just finances, but property and intangible assets such as votes, software, health data, and ideas. Topics include: Concepts, features, and functionality of Bitcoin and the blockchain Using the blockchain for automated tracking of all digital endeavors Enabling censorship?resistant organizational models Creating a decentralized digital repository to verify identity Possibility of cheaper, more efficient services traditionally provided by nations Blockchain for science: making better use of the data-mining network Personal health record storage, including access to one’s own genomic data Open access academic publishing on the blockchain This book is part of an ongoing O’Reilly series. Mastering Bitcoin: Unlocking Digital Crypto-Currencies introduces Bitcoin and describes the technology behind Bitcoin and the blockchain. Blockchain: Blueprint for a New Economy considers theoretical, philosophical, and societal impact of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technologies.

This book presents multidisciplinary perspectives on opportunities and best practices necessary for empowering women in the digital economy in developing countries. The book explores the components of connectivity that matter most to women. It also helps decision-makers and policymakers to adopt the policies needed to empower women in using digital platforms and developing (and taking up) careers in the digital economy in developing economies. In response, we gathered eight contributions (or chapters) on new directions, strategies, and barriers to women’s empowerment through digital technologies. The contributions span thematic areas such as female digital entrepreneurship, social media, and agricultural value chains, women in the gig economy, the digital divide, gender disparities in cryptocurrencies, and digital access in agriculture. In précis, the contributions argue that, first, appropriate legislation matters, but it is not enough – there is a need to alter social and cultural attitudes and raise awareness. Second, there is a need to address affordability. Government and development agencies may begin by offering free or discounted smart devices to rural women and appropriate digital skills training relevant to their economic activities. Third, there is a need for urgent attention by government labor agencies in developing countries to enforce decent working conditions and protection for female gig workers while maximizing opportunities being offered through these platforms. Don’t just leave women to use digital platforms and services; support them with sound policies and programs for responsible and sustainable use. In effect, this book offers clarity on new strategies, case studies/examples, and lessons in addressing or circumventing institutional challenges to women’s empowerment through digital technologies.

Keeping up with fast evolving technology is a challenge that every business leader faces. As organisations start to wake up to the Fourth Industrial Revolution, it’s becoming more important than ever to be able to utilise and exploit new digital platforms. With the simple aim of demystifying blockchain for business leaders, The Executive Guide to Blockchain offers a jargon-free explanation and framework to better understand blockchain technologies and their impact on organizations. Enabling any business leader with or without specific computing knowledge to reap the benefits of blockchain whilst understanding the limitations, this book will empower you to: Identify opportunities for blockchain in your own business sectors Understand smart contracts and their relationship with the law Create a blockchain strategy and business case Implement blockchain technologies and maximise their potential. Written by experts in non-technical language, this practical resource can be applied to any industry, and arm you with the knowledge needed to capture the possibilities of digital business.