Bitcoin, a cryptocurrency invented in 2008 is both puzzling and inspiring. High volatility of its price is challenges financial analysts as well as scholars. We look at the incentive mechanisms that make Bitcoin work, and we discuss current and potential uses of Bitcoin and technologies inspired...

We study multi-period college admission problems where, at each period, a matching is computed and students have option to either finalize their matches or participate to the next period. Students participating to an additional run of the matching mechanism can submit a new preference list to...

Over the last few years, we have witnessed an upsurge of enthusiasm about cryptocurrencies and, more generally, the so-called blockchain technology. In this new and updated edition, the authors explore what exactly these new technologies entail and promise. They argue that to understand the...

Since its launch in 2009 much has been written about Bitcoin, cryptocurrencies and blockchains. While the discussions initially took place mostly on blogs and other popular media, we now are witnessing the emergence of a growing body of rigorous academic research on these topics. By the nature...

Concluding thoughts and outlook for the future of the technologies affording digital currencies, cryptocurrencies, blockchain and smart contracts. For Chapter 1 (Introduction), see https://ssrn.com/abstract=3135021. For Chapter 2 (Means of Exchange: Ever-present Competition), see...

In this chapter we discuss the use of blockchain technology for enterprises, including governments. 7.1. Distributed database: what is it and what for? 7.2. Limitation of Bitcoin’s blockchain for enterprise use. 7.3. Consensus for permissioned distributed systems. 7.4. Enterprise blockchain...

In this chapter we discuss smart contracts and functionalities they afford, especially in combination with blockchain. 6.1. The rise of Ethereum. 6.1.1. History. 6.1.2. Ethereum is “different”. 6.2. Smart contracts. 6.2.1. Smart contracts on Ethereum. 6.2.2. What do smart contracts need a...

Introduction -- Means of exchange: Ever present competition -- Platform-based currencies -- Bitcoin and arrival of Cryptocurrencies -- The Rich Landscape of Crypto -- Smart conrtacts and Blockchain -- Enterprise Blockchains -- Future full of Possibilities.

Since its launch in 2009 much has been written about Bitcoin, cryptocurrencies and blockchains. While the discussions initially took place mostly on blogs and other popular media, we now are witnessing the emergence of a growing body of rigorous academic research on these topics. By the nature...