Blockchain technology has been lauded as a solution to all of the world’s problems. It has also been suggested that it is nothing more than a glorified Excel spreadsheet, and even vilified as an elaborate scam. The reality is that cryptocurrencies and blockchain-based financial systems enable the management of, and connectivity around, upwards of $1.3 trillion USD in financial assets and more that $10 trillion USD in annual trading volume in 2020. In the future, blockchain technology could radically transform the role businesses, institutions, and governments play in our world.

Drawing on the expertise of Oxford faculty and industry leaders, the Oxford Blockchain Strategy Programme provides an understanding of this transformative technology, covering cryptocurrencies and various types of blockchain protocols and networks. Participants will not only explore what a blockchain is, how it works, and its applications - ranging from digital assets to intergalactic communications - but also learn frameworks and methodologies to develop and deploy business models built around this new technology.

This programme brings together various perspectives - including economic, social, political, and environmental considerations - to help participants incorporate blockchain technology into business strategy in a sustainable, inclusive way.

MODULE 0 - Orientation

An overview of the programme, the next-generation AI platform used to deliver it and the community of fellow innovators and leaders.

MODULE 1 - Fundamentals: Blockchain Protocols, Networks and Cryptocurrencies

In this module, learners will examine the basics of how a blockchain protocol works, including what a protocol is, where cryptocurrencies fit in, models for consensus amongst network participants, the trade-offs inherent in these designs, the relationship between physical computer infrastructure and the security of a network and more. Learners will also explore the open-source software ecosystem around cryptocurrencies and blockchain protocols, and various models for funding protocol development and maintenance, including open-source software (OSS) approaches as well as privately funded or crowd-funded approaches such as token sales or protocol foundations.

MODULE 2 - Use Cases Across Industries

In the module learners will continue to explore applications of blockchain technology by examining specific examples of blockchain use cases across a variety of industries and lenses, including business models and business metrics, how companies can monetise specific use cases using both traditional business models or new and emergent business models and how the broader shift to digitisation and the use of open-source software across a variety of industries is accelerating the opportunity to implement blockchain protocols and digital assets as a strategic advantage.

MODULE 3 - Landscape: The Blockchain Ecosystem and Applications

In this module learners will gain an understanding of the cryptocurrency and blockchain technology ecosystem by examining the various stakeholders that comprise the global blockchain community and their respective roles, incentives, organisational dynamics, competitive dynamics between stakeholders and the differentiation between various emergent sectors of this industry. Learners will also explore how blockchain technology can be applied to a wide range of use cases including cryptocurrencies and digital assets, governance, consensus, immutability and various other assurances that can be provided by public and private blockchain applications.

MODULE 4 - Challenges: Legal, Regulatory, ESG, and Other Considerations

In this module, learners will explore how securities, data, privacy, anti-trust and tax laws impact the use of blockchain technology. They will examine the regulatory landscapes of blockchain technology in different parts of the world, and learn to address environment, social, and corporate governance opportunities and challenges with this new technology. Learners will also examine some of the unique organisational challenges with adopting this technology and new operating models within various types of startup, corporate and institutional environments.

MODULE 5 - Strategy: How to Evaluate and Articulate a Business Case for Blockchain Technology

In this module, learners will evaluate the benefits and risks of bringing blockchain technology into an organisation and outline a business case for blockchain applications. Participants will learn key language and terminology associated with these new business models, and how to effectively articulate a business case using financial, operational, competitive landscape and brand considerations. Learners will also be introduced to a business case framework and be guided on how to articulate their ideas to decision makers. This module will also explore the various types of financing and funding available for blockchain-focused projects and businesses, including venture capital, grants from blockchain protocol foundations, corporate investment and partnerships and institutional support from governments and other supranational organisations and bodies.

MODULE 6 - Advice for Entrepreneurs & the Future

In this module we provide some advice and guidance for entrepreneurs looking to launch disruptive innovations and we look to the future of digital disruption. Learners will examine what the future of regulation will be for these technologies and how that may impact their disruptive power. They will also explore what the world would look like if entrepreneurial thinking is embraced.