Blockchain for SME Clusters: An Ideation using the Framework of Ostrom Commons Governance

Area of Science:

• Business and Management
• Information Technology
• Economics

Background:

• Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) form clusters to share resources but face operational challenges like trust deficits and lack of accountability.
• Existing governance models struggle to address conflicts and deadlocks within SME clusters effectively.
• Blockchain technology offers inherent features of trust, transparency, and traceability, potentially solving these issues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the application of blockchain technology in fostering a trustworthy and collaborative environment within SME clusters.
• To develop a blockchain commons governance framework for SME clusters based on community self-governance principles.
• To examine how blockchain can guide and support the sustainable functioning and productivity of SMEs in clusters.

Main Methods:

• Development of a blockchain commons governance framework using equivalence mapping and qualitative analysis.
• Application of Elinor Ostrom's principles of community self-governance.
• Focus on three key dimensions: interaction, autonomy, and control.

Main Results:

• A novel blockchain commons governance framework is presented for SME clusters.
• The framework addresses key operational challenges, including trust, transparency, and accountability.
• The study highlights blockchain's role in enhancing sustainability and productivity for SMEs.

Conclusions:

• Blockchain technology can effectively facilitate trust and collaboration in SME clusters.
• The proposed governance framework provides a mechanism for self-governance, improving operational dynamics.
• This research offers a foundational approach to addressing SME cluster challenges through blockchain commons governance.