Introduction
In recent years, blockchain technology has surged to prominence. Zhejiang University Internet Finance Research Institute (ZJU AIF) established a dedicated Blockchain Studio to explore this technology from strategic and economic perspectives. Amid the 2018 market frenzy around blockchain, ZJU AIF launched an expert interview series to analyze its future trajectory.
This edition features Mr. Wu Lianfeng, Vice President and Chief Analyst at IDC China, with over 20 years of experience in IT research. His insights span ICT markets, digital transformation, and emerging technologies like blockchain.
Key Topics Discussed
1. Is Blockchain Suitable for All Industries?
Blockchain’s core value lies in trust and value transfer, critical for any transaction. Key advantages:
- Reduces trust barriers between strangers.
- Enables secure value transmission.
- Streamlines processes, cutting costs and intermediaries.
- Enhances transparency and auditability.
Industries like finance, healthcare, and energy can leverage blockchain, but adoption depends on specific use cases.
👉 Explore blockchain’s transformative potential
2. Blockchain in Finance: Opportunities vs. Challenges
Opportunities:
- Applications in cross-border payments, securities, and fraud prevention.
- High investment in crypto and decentralized finance (DeFi).
Challenges:
- Regulatory conflicts with fiat currencies.
- Scalability issues (e.g., Bitcoin’s slow transactions).
- Talent shortages and immature security frameworks.
3. Academic Research Priorities for Blockchain
Focus areas:
- Practical use cases: E.g., supply chain traceability.
- Security: Public vs. private chain vulnerabilities.
- Integration with AI/quantum computing to future-proof applications.
"Blockchain’s potential hinges on solving real-world problems." — Wu Lianfeng
4. Bitcoin’s Future: Digital Gold or Speculative Asset?
- Pros: Decentralized trust, low-cost跨境 transfers.
- Cons: Energy-intensive mining, regulatory scrutiny.
- Outlook: Sustained niche utility but limited mainstream adoption.
5. Regulatory Perspectives on Cryptocurrencies
- China’s strict policies aim to curb money laundering.
- Other nations (e.g., Cambodia’s "Bitcoin City") experiment with crypto-friendly zones.
- Balance needed between innovation and oversight.
👉 Dive deeper into crypto regulations
6. Non-Fiat Digital Currencies: Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Incentivizes distributed ledger networks.
- Drives tech innovation (e.g., smart contracts).
Cons:
- Volatility and speculative risks.
7. Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) vs. Bitcoin
- CBDCs: Likely hybrid models (partial blockchain).
- Impact: More on纸币 than crypto markets.
FAQs
Q1: Can blockchain replace traditional databases?
A1: Only for use cases requiring decentralization.
Q2: Is Bitcoin mining environmentally unsustainable?
A2: Yes—PoW alternatives (e.g., PoS) are gaining traction.
Q3: How will governments regulate DeFi?
A3: Through evolving KYC/AML frameworks.
Conclusion
Blockchain’s evolution depends on real-world integration, regulatory clarity, and technological advancements. While challenges persist, its transformative potential across industries is undeniable.
Interviews curated by ZJU AIF Blockchain Studio.