Crypto Assets for Development (CA4D)

With the emergence of cryptocurrencies, the idea of dealing with alternative (and complementary) currencies alongside fiat currencies becomes less exotic and not restricted to the world of developed economies (systemic or eventual). Complementary currencies tend to be adopted when economic crises, unemployment and lack of access to major financial institutions arise. This research aims to prove how both sides, citizens and local governments, benefit from a higher level of involvement in digital cryptography. The 36-month project, running from July/2019 to June/2020, has three phases related to cryptocurrencies, financial inclusion and local development:

1. Typology of cryptocurrencies oriented towards environmental and social development, based on data collection through academic documents, specialized websites and interviews with relevant actors and researchers in the field.

2. Analysis of the regulatory situation at national and sub-national level to capture the local characteristics of the cryptocurrencies being analyzed in addition to the legal issue being developed to make it happen. The analysis will include identification of relevant actors through the "Multilevel Framework" method, created to investigate social innovation phenomena through the connection of its actors.

3. Creation and monitoring of a pilot project for a community cryptocurrency. Initially, it will be assessed which cryptocurrency has the greatest potential to be brought to a blockchain platform. The rules of governance will then be defined, as well as its operational and technical characteristics, network architecture, technological infrastructure, development plan and value assessment.