Responsible Blockchain: STEADI Principles and the Actor-Network Theory-based Development Methodology (ANT-RDM)

TL;DR

This paper introduces the STEADI principles and ANT-RDM methodology to promote responsible development of blockchain technology, addressing technical, social, and ethical challenges for broader adoption.

Contribution

It defines Responsible Blockchain, proposes STEADI principles, and develops the ANT-RDM methodology based on Actor-Network Theory for responsible blockchain development.

Findings

STEADI principles for responsible blockchain development

ANT-RDM methodology steps for stakeholder engagement

Framework for addressing ethical and social challenges in blockchain

Abstract

This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the challenges and controversies associated with blockchain technology. It identifies technical challenges such as scalability, security, privacy, and interoperability, as well as business and adoption challenges, and the social, economic, ethical, and environmental controversies present in current blockchain systems. We argue that responsible blockchain development is key to overcoming these challenges and achieving mass adoption. This paper defines Responsible Blockchain and introduces the STEADI principles (sustainable, transparent, ethical, adaptive, decentralized, and inclusive) for responsible blockchain development. Additionally, it presents the Actor-Network Theory-based Responsible Development Methodology (ANT-RDM) for blockchains, which includes the steps of problematization, interessement, enrollment, and mobilization.