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Technology Disruption and Blockchain: Understanding Level of Awareness and the Potential Societal Impact

Bradshaw, Dermot J. (2018) Technology Disruption and Blockchain: Understanding Level of Awareness and the Potential Societal Impact. Masters thesis, Dublin, National College of Ireland.

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Abstract

This thesis paper looks at the disruption caused by emerging technologies in general, and by Blockchain specifically, to understand if society is aware of and understands the technologies and their disruptive impacts and if society is prepared for that disruption. The approach taken is to conduct a literature review and a web survey to gather the necessary data to address these points.

The paper begins with developing an understanding of new emerging technologies, presenting some examples from twelve technologies considered to have the most potential to influence society. Next, an understanding of Blockchain is presented, starting with its origin and working through to existing uses and potential future applications. Again, the societal impact is considered as the paper uses Blockchain to demonstrate technology’s potential for societal disruption.

Understanding societal awareness of and preparedness for technology-driven disruption are this paper’s main objective. The author presents evidence that society is aware of most of the emerging technologies, is even familiar with the concept of disruption, but does not fully understand the impact such innovations can have on their lives and on the their society. Finally, the author makes a series of recommendations for policy makers to take to prepare for the forthcoming technology-driven disruption of society. These recommendations are significant, requiring government oversight, but fully required to avoid increased social tension caused by increasing economic inequality.

Item Type: Thesis (Masters)
Subjects: H Social Sciences > HG Finance
T Technology > T Technology (General) > Information Technology
Divisions: School of Business > Master of Business Administration
Depositing User: Caoimhe Ní Mhaicín
Date Deposited: 30 Oct 2018 12:59
Last Modified: 30 Oct 2018 12:59
URI: https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/3355

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