This PhD thesis investigates the design of blockchain technology to address collective action problems. The research is driven by the need for innovative solutions to manage greenhouse gas emissions effectively and enhance collaborative efforts among diverse stakeholders. The thesis examines how blockchain technology, with its decentralized, transparent, and immutable characteristics, can serve as a robust infrastructure for fostering cooperation and accountability in tackling large-scale collective challenges. The study is structured around three research objectives. First, to identify blockchain design for sustainable blockchain consortia. Second, to identify sustainable approaches of design and operation of blockchain-based information systems on the network edge. This comprises investigating how to align the design and operation of edge-enabled blockchain solutions, where architecture is the starting point for defining roles and assigning responsibilities. Third, to design architectures and processes for the blockchain node management on the network edge. These objectives aim to expand the existing knowledge base by formalizing design knowledge that facilitates blockchain-based collaboration on collective problems. To achieve this goal, the research draws on interdisciplinary theories, including Elinor Ostrom's principles of governing the commons and the Business Webs typology by Don Tapscott. The research employs the Design Science Research (DSR) methodology, characterized by iterative design cycles that create and evaluate artifacts in real-world settings. Three design cycles form the core of the research approach. The first design cycle focuses on the vertical integration of blockchain technology in a coffee supply chain to improve traceability and sustainability. The second design cycle explores the horizontal integration of blockchain with Industry 4.0 technologies, such as edge computing, in a biogas plant consortium to enhance data management and operational efficiency. The third design cycle examines the upscaling of the blockchain-based approach to an ecosystem archetype for managing common resources, like carbon credits, in a coffee roastery consortium. Each design cycle involves scenario design, implementation, evaluation, and reflection, utilizing prototyping and field testing methods. The findings of this thesis are compiled into a roadmap on design knowledge for designing blockchain consortia tailored to collective action challenges.    «

This PhD thesis investigates the design of blockchain technology to address collective action problems. The research is driven by the need for innovative solutions to manage greenhouse gas emissions effectively and enhance collaborative efforts among diverse stakeholders. The thesis examines how blockchain technology, with its decentralized, transparent, and immutable characteristics, can serve as a robust infrastructure for fostering cooperation and accountability in tackling large-scale collec...    »