The course focuses on providing students with a better understanding of the analytical foundations of the emerging field of cryptoeconomics. As crypto token systems border upon multiple disciplines such as business, economics, finance, and IT, an interdisciplinary approach is pursued in this research seminar. The emphasis is on reading and discussing the fundamental theoretical and empirical research papers in the field and to stimulate students’ own research. E.g., game theoretical analyses of incentive systems, empirical analyses of crypto exchange rates, crypto tokens as financial instruments, and the design of sustainable business models for crypto systems may be covered.

After this course students

• have a better understanding of the analytical underpinnings of crypto currency systems,
• can analyze the complex interplay between economics, business, and finance in crypto token systems,
• obtain a deeper understanding of the many open research questions in this emerging field to draw inspiration for their own research,
• can improve their skills to read high level research papers,
• have better methodological skills by learning and applying state-of-the art research methods to new economic problems.

Pursuant to the general guidelines issued by the Vice-Rector for Academic Programs and Student Affairs, instructors can reduce the student attendance requirement and the contact hours in class because a significant part of the students’ workload is done outside the classroom.

The course is based upon presentations of students and instructors about their own research or about existing research papers in the field of cryptoeconomics. Constructive critical discussions are a vital element of the course.

Grading is based upon project presentations and class participation. The grade is essentially determined by the the presentation. If a student is between two grades, class participation decides about the final grade.