By @SimonCocking great interview with Don Tapscott Media theorist, author (author of Blockchain Revolution – co-authored with my son Alex Tapscott) Hammond B3 player, Adjunct Professor. We enjoyed catching up with Don again to see how 2017 has been for him and his new ventures.
2017 – what are you working on now?
It’s been incredibly busy for me and my co-author (and son) Alex Tapscott since the book was released. Obviously, the majority of my time has been devoted to the Blockchain Research Institute (BRI). We also recently founded CarbonX – a new initiative to tokenize peer-to-peer carbon credits. Alex has also launched an extraordinary project – NextBlock Global. It will be the first publicly traded company investing in digital assets.
Are you / will you be releasing another book soon, if so, on what topic?
I’m not sure what the future might hold at this point. Most of my attention right now is focused on the BRI, and that’s occupying plenty of my time as it is.
Remember to check out our Research Institute, where we are doing exciting research into all things #blockchain #blockchainrevolution https://t.co/qLH4WWgSxL
— Don Tapscott (@dtapscott) June 28, 2017
Since publishing Blockchain Revolution, has it brought you more into that world, as you created the BRI to support research and use cases – how much of your time does it now take up, versus your other passions?
Blockchain Revolution certainly created more questions than answers. Alex and I then decided that it was time to do the definitive investigation of blockchain strategies, opportunities, and use-cases – to really explore what this could mean for different industries, management functions, and the real foundations of capitalism. I’m on a different continent every week speaking to business and government leaders.
What is happening at the Blockchain Research Institute that we can expect to hear about in the near future?
Gee, where to start? We have about 70 research projects on the go, covering everything from supply chain management to the way blockchain will change the way we market goods. People will have to visit the website for the full list, but suffice it to say we’re leaving no stone unturned.
Are we in a goldrush phase in relation to cryptocurrencies and the current wave of ICOs?
There does seem to be growing interest in the general public about cryptocurrencies, but I would describe this as the infancy of this technology. It’s 1994 in the blockchain space – there are plenty of projects, pilots, and consortiums doing important work to further the ecosystem. As for ICOs (Initial coin Offerings – blockchain crowdfunding) there is a lot of misinformation. I would encourage those looking to get involved to really do their homework into what they are investing in, and the potential gains from investing in this new asset class. This craze is part of the reason that Alex and I founded the Blockchain Research Institute – to investigate the strategic opportunities and implementation challenges of the technology and advise business leaders on the way forward.
Any tips of how to discern which ones are more viable than others?
I would encourage anyone looking to get involved in ICOs to do their due diligence, and really look at what the value proposition is for the token they are looking to invest in. There are lots of resources online to explain the concept of ICOs, and how best to navigate them. And – as I said – you’d be safer to invest in NextBlock Global rather than investing in individual ICOs or blockchains.
How can people join the BRI, and find out more about what they are working on?
The BRI functions on a membership model, where corporations, governments and SMEs join to have access to the research. We currently have over 40 members from a wide range of industries and governments, and we’re announcing a new tranche of members from the financial services sectors in the next couple weeks. One time membership fees for companies range from $25,000 to $200,000 depending on industry and company size. If you or your company are interested in receiving more information or want to become a member, contact me at [email protected] and we would love to tell you more.
It's here! We are proud to announce the 16 newest members of the Blockchain Research Institute. #blockchain https://t.co/eQgNPkeHMb
— Blockchain R.I. (@blockchainRI) October 4, 2017
