Understanding the blockchain economy : an introduction to institutional cryptoeconomics / Chris Berg, Sinclair Davidson, Jason Potts.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 168-198) and index.

Introduction -- The institutional economics of blockchain -- The universal Turing institution -- The microfoundations of ledgers -- Money, dequity, and the barter economy of the future -- Supply chains and identity -- The V-form organisation and the future of the firm -- Public policy in a blockchain era -- Capitalism after Satoshi -- Conclusion.

Offering the first scholarly analysis of the blockchain economy, this timely book explores the future of global capitalism. Applying the institutional economics of Ronald Coase and Oliver Williamson, the authors highlight how blockchains are poised to reshape the nature of firms, governments, markets and civil society. Chapters apply basic economic principles to explore blockchains and distributed ledger technologies through the framework of institutional economics. The book suggests ways in which cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin may develop into a barter economy which removes the need for a third person in economic transactions. Outlining a ledger-centric view of the economy, the authors explore how blockchains and dehierarchalisation might reduce the demand for government regulation in this neoliberal age. Institutional economists and scholars will appreciate the thorough analysis of cryptoeconomics and the future of blockchains that this book offers. Computer and technology scientists will also find this book to be a valuable read.-- Adapted from back cover.