On the Future of Bitcoin and Altcoins as Currencies, Tokens for Smart Contracts, and Instruments of Commitment (IOCs): Some Considerations Regarding Blockchain Applications

  • Wolfgang Eibner
  • Kurt Rätsch
  • Antonio Schulz
  • Andre Rolapp
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15157/tpep.v26i1-2.14509
Keywords: Blockchain, Bitcoin, Altcoin, Initial Coin Offerings, Possibility to replace Fiat-Money by Cryptocurrencies, Token for Smart Contracts, Future role of ICOs as an Alternative to IPOs for Equity Capital Acquisition

Abstract

In the article we discuss following hypotheses: Thesis 1: „Private Cryptocurrencies will not be seen as an alternative to Fiat-Money in the near future or any time soon.“ Thesis 2: „Initial Coin Offerigs (ICOs) can increasingly become an alternative to traditional Venture Capital Financing and Token might enable to build smart contracts on a decentralized infrastructure.“ In the article we explain Blockchain technology and its possible applications in a very wide range. Also are shown main cryptocurrencies in their functions as possible future currencies, as platform token, and utility token necessary for Smart Contracts, or equity token, especially for Initial Coin Offerings. A main part of the article is the discussion of possible risks in the these applications of cryptocurrencies or token, referring explicitly to technical risks, economical risks like the stability of the financial markets (volatility, deflation), but also the severe problem of manipulated markets, supplemented by some considerations on legal issues.

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Author Biographies

Wolfgang Eibner
University of Applied Sciences Jena
Kurt Rätsch
University of Applied Sciences Jena
Antonio Schulz
University of Applied Sciences Jena
Andre Rolapp
University of Applied Sciences Jena
Published
2018-11-05
How to Cite
Eibner, W., Rätsch, K., Schulz, A., & Rolapp, A. (2018). On the Future of Bitcoin and Altcoins as Currencies, Tokens for Smart Contracts, and Instruments of Commitment (IOCs): Some Considerations Regarding Blockchain Applications. Estonian Discussions on Economic Policy, 26(1-2). https://doi.org/10.15157/tpep.v26i1-2.14509
Issue
Vol. 26 No. 1-2 (2018): Eesti Vabariik – 100 (24. veebruar 1918). 100 aastat eestikeelset rahvuslikku Tehnikaülikooli Eestis (17. september 1918)
Section
Articles. Artikeln. Artiklid
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