Oxford Blockchain Strategy Programme

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.

In this 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 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.

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.

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 environmental, 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.

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.

In this module, learners will have the opportunity to explore some of the frontier applications of blockchain technology, including decentralised finance (DeFi), NFTs (non-fungible tokens) and creator economics, governments and CBDCs, as well as esoteric ideas such as reputation markets, prediction markets, and DAOs (distributed autonomous organisations). This module will also outline some of the ways learners can become more involved in the global blockchain community, and highlight tools, resources, and references that students can continue to utilise after the programme.