Senior Capstone 2021
To what extent does Blockchain transparency in the supply chain affect our perspective towards sustainability?
Abstract: Given the rapidly growing infrastructure of Blockchain – the disruptive technology behind cryptocurrencies – we should be aware of its effects on businesses and likely trade-offs. The supply chain has inherent flaws in today’s increasingly complex system; foreshadowed by an asymmetrical distribution of information amongst enterprise levels. Current processes are inefficient, and managers are wasting much of their efforts in working around them rather than working towards increasing profitability. Such disparity is dangerous and can result in devastating effects to the economy. Blockchain proposes the creation of a resilient process that advocates for sustainability initiatives, if managed properly. The two methodologies proposed in this paper focus on the consumer and government, respectively. Blockchain leads with its most interesting attribute, transparency, to eliminate asymmetry by providing holistic views of transactions and leaves the public with knowledge to make informed decisions on their own behalf. Proposed government policies look at current initiatives within the U.S., such as Biden’s clean energy plan and education gaps, to leverage the technology’s capability in promoting sustainability.
Jay Agaskar is a senior at Northeastern University studying Economics and Finance, with a Computer Science Minor. His interest is in technology, and his immediate plans are pursuing analytics and data science.