Blockchain beyond Digital Currencies - A Structured Literature Review on Blockchain Applications

Abstract

Attention for blockchain technology has increased continuously since the concept has been introduced in 2008. Implications of practically implementing blockchain-based solutions are yet to be explored adequately from a scientific perspective. The goal of this research is to develop a deeper understanding for the fields of studies and applications of blockchain technology. In a systematic literature review, this study provides a classification of scientific contributions that cover blockchain applications beyond financial transactions. The results outline fields of applications, potential benefits and limitations associated with blockchain-based solutions. We identify a lack of qualitative and quantitative research and conclude that the implications of utilizing blockchain technology are yet to be evaluated on an empirical scientific basis.

Keywords: blockchain, application, systematic literature review