Uncovering Blockchain Research Publications in Asia Compared to the Rest of the World

A Web of Science (WoS) search suggests that Asian countries generated 45.2% of all blockchain-related research articles. However, blockchain studies have neglected to examine the intellectual development of blockchain technology in Asia. Mainland China has become the center of blockchain scholarship in Asia; South Korea and Singapore have also become important. Comparing blockchain articles published in Asia to those published outside of Asia indicates that both article types feature high levels of research focusing on computer science. However, Asian studies pay more attention to engineering technology issues, while non-Asian studies pay more attention to sociological issues such as those involving business and law. Moreover, blockchain R&D collaboration between universities, industry, and government is less salient in Asia than it is in the rest of the world. If the Asian region is to become a global blockchain center, it must promote research on the commercialization of blockchains and in the social science dimensions of the technology. Asian researchers should expand their partnerships with industry.