This Handbook provides an interdisciplinary investigation into the role and influence of blockchain technology in areas such as the Metaverse, Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), tokenization, algorithmic governance, fraud and crime prevention. Drawing on cutting-edge research and analysis from leading experts in the field, it demystifies the complex nature of blockchain and its mechanisms, applications and potentials.Highlighting how blockchain technologies have disrupted traditional centralised systems, the Handbook analyses their influence on and transformation of many areas including finance, governance, ownership, digital assets, art and more. It examines the technological foundations of the Metaverse and the role of blockchain within it. Chapters explore the implications of NFTs and tokenization in art, finance and the Metaverse and review algorithmic governance and decentralised decision-making mechanisms. Adoption barriers and regulatory considerations are evaluated, highlighting real-world applications in various industries such as shipment transportation, crime prevention, financial investigation and next generation networks.The Handbook of Blockchain Technology is a fundamental resource for academics, researchers and students of business and management or computer science, with a particular interest in disruptive technologies and blockchain, Metaverse, digital assets, information systems, and ICT. Business professionals and consultants in the technology sector will equally benefit from the book’s practical application.
