Research
Papers
DECEMBER 2, 2022
Blockchain as Commons: Applying Ostrom’s Polycentric Approach to Blockchain Governance
About:
A strategic look at building reliable decentralized governance.
By integrating Ostrom’s design principles, this research envisions a transparent, tiered ecosystem where community decision-making drives both micro and macro-economic stability within blockchain networks.
Decentralization, Decentralized Governance, Ostrom, Blockchain, DeFi, Polycentricity
JUNE 22, 2022
A Value-Driven Blockchain Network: The Efficacy Of Ostrom’s Design Principles In Designing A Collaborative Community Governance Model
About:
This research redefines blockchain protocols as "digital commons" rather than public infrastructure. By applying Elinor Ostrom’s design principles, the study introduces a value-driven governance model that incentivizes ethical participation and ensures fair, equitable, and stable decentralized management.
Blockchain Governance, Ostrom's Design Principles, Tokenomics, DeFi
Author: Sangita Gazi and Navroop K. Sahdev
About:
A strategic look at building reliable decentralized governance.
By integrating Ostrom’s design principles, this research envisions a transparent, tiered ecosystem where community decision-making drives both micro and macro-economic stability within blockchain networks.
Decentralization, Decentralized Governance, Ostrom, Blockchain, DeFi, Polycentricity
JANUARY 9, 2025
Blockchain Networks as a Mode of Governance for the Digital Commons
About:
This report synthesizes key discussions from the Digital Commons Governance Summit at Harvard IQSS. It explores how blockchain and AI, guided by Elinor Ostrom’s polycentric principles, can manage resources without centralized control. By analyzing current bottlenecks and cases like El Salvador’s Bitcoin initiative, the summit proposes adaptive frameworks to balance decentralization with oversight. The focus remains on leveraging AI to enhance transparency, inclusivity, and democratic resilience while addressing scalability for a sustainable digital future.
Governance | Digital Commons | Blockchain
About:
This report synthesizes key discussions from the Digital Commons Governance Summit at Harvard IQSS. It explores how blockchain and AI, guided by Elinor Ostrom’s polycentric principles, can manage resources without centralized control. By analyzing current bottlenecks and cases like El Salvador’s Bitcoin initiative, the summit proposes adaptive frameworks to balance decentralization with oversight. The focus remains on leveraging AI to enhance transparency, inclusivity, and democratic resilience while addressing scalability for a sustainable digital future.
Governance | Digital Commons | Blockchain