Decentralization Neutralizers
Wulf A. Kaal · 2021
Decentralization cannot evolve in a vacuum. As decentralized technology becomes increasingly available, its application, adaptation, and evolution depend on society’s acceptance and use of the technology. While improved decentralized incentive designs can accelerate adoption, design alone will not suffice in promoting the decentralization of business and society. Several factors call into question society’s engagement with decentralized technologies. Such factors can be seen as decentralization neutralizers. They are plentiful and undermine society’s engagement with emerging decentralized technologies and the solutions it may offer for society. The article discusses these decentralization neutralizers and points out possible solutions. Key Words: Decentralization, Neutralizers, Digital Assets, Decentralized Finance, Blockchain, Start-up, Decentralized Commerce, Emerging Technology, Token Models, Incentive Design, Tokens, Distributed Ledger Technology, Decentralized Infrastructure, Reputation Staking JEL Categories: K20, K23, K32, L43, L5, O31, O32 ** Professor of Law, University of St. Thomas School of Law (Minneapolis, USA). The author is gratefull for ongoing discussions about decentralized technology solutions with Craig Calcaterra. The author is also grateful for outstanding research assistance from Hayley Howe and research librarian assistance from Nicole Kinn. The author did not receive any form of financial incentive for authoring this article. 1 Electronic copy available at: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3808873 DECENTRALIZATION NEUTRALIZERS
Cite: Wulf A. Kaal, Decentralization Neutralizers (2021). SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3808873. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3808873
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