In this conversation I discuss distributed and decentralized organizations with Jean-Philippe Vergne, who is an associate professor of strategy at University College London. We focus on the development of blockchain technology, which at least in theory should allow for new forms of organization that don't rely on centralized authorities to function. The initial dream was that blockchain technology would drive innovation, provide transparency, limit abuses of power, and provide access to financing for people living in dysfunctional states. Crypto currencies based on the technology might also act as a counterweight to the sovereign monopoly that nation states have on currency creation. As we discuss, however, blockchain networks and applications often maintain elements of centralization and it is often difficult in practice to use the technology to construct organizations that are more distributed than traditional hierarchical organizations.

►Watch on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/qxe5Oiwvk7c

►For more information about JP's research: https://www.mgmt.ucl.ac.uk/people/jeanphilippevergne
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/2631787720977052

►Follow JP on twitter and LinkedIn:
https://twitter.com/PirateOrg
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jpver/

These conversations are supported by the Andrea von Braun foundation (http://www.avbstiftung.de/), as an exploration of the rich, exciting, connected, scientifically literate, and (most importantly) sustainable future of humanity. The views expressed in these episodes are my own and those of my guests. This episode focuses on new forms of organization and the evolution of societies.

Rise Of The Blockchain | JP Vergne | Escaped Sapiens #57