Commit or Not? How Blockchain Consortia Form and Develop

Abstract

In blockchain consortia, different companies band together to develop, govern, and operate a shared blockchain-based system. However, many blockchain-based systems are exposed to the risk of never going live without a proper understanding of the peculiar collaboration this technological architecture entails. To understand how blockchain consortia develop and advance collaborative relationships, this article reports on an extensive analysis of online material and interviews of key members. It draws from the literature on interorganizational collaboration and digital platforms to explain the staged progression of blockchain consortia and the key features of blockchain consortia.