TheCryptoeconomic Systems (CES) journal and conference series is a reputable venue and scholarly publication of record for impactful original research, as well as reviews, analyses, and systematizations of existing knowledge. Our scope covers blockchain technology in general, as well as research on cryptocurrencies, distributed systems, tokenomics—any work that might reasonably fall under the “blockchain” umbrella. We are housed at and supported by the MIT Digital Currency Initiative, but consider ourselves very much a project of the community.
Rigorous study of decentralized systems necessitates the synthesis of technical fields such as cryptography, protocol engineering, and economics with insights from the domains of finance, law, complex systems, and philosophy. We hope that this initiative will play a part in crystallizing a mature communal scholarly ecosystem of cryptocurrency & blockchain technology research. In addition, legacy academic publishing has a number of issues that can limit the impact of academic contributions in such a fast-moving area of study. We welcome discussions about strategies to address matters such as publication access andresearchers’ rights, the lack of incentives & transparency in peer review, the gaming of metrics such as journal impact factors, and the historical differences in publishing culture between subject areas.
The journal is coordinated by a Managing Editor, Reuben Youngblom (MIT DCI/Stanford University), and two Editors-in-Chief: Andrew Miller (Professor, UIUC/IC3) and Neha Narula (Director, Digital Currency Initiative). Rhys Lindmark, Ashley Jacobson, and Wassim Alsindi have also contributed to the project. Additional information about our staff, advisory board, and contributors can be found on our People page.
Journal Logistics
Cryptoeconomic Systems is open access and publishes two issues a year (Spring and Fall) through the MIT Press. Our goal is to collect, review, and disseminate cutting-edge, high-caliber research and commentary within the blockchain space.
We strive to build equity and transparency into the submission and distribution process. We do not charge a submission fee, and our submissions are entirely merit-based thanks to a double-blind peer review process. We also use a system of open peer review to contextualize and enhance the impact of our articles. Please see our Policies page for more information.
Our Submissions section includes timelines, expectations, and other additional information.
Electronic ISSN: 2767-4207
Conference Series
Cryptoeconomic Systems holds an annual conference series to showcase the latest research in the larger blockchain space. Archives of past conferences can be found here:
Cryptoeconomic Systems is a vote of confidence in the blockchain community. We believe this technology will transform the world by changing how we communicate, re-aligning our incentives, and forcing us to reevaluate our trust architecture. A blockchain-based world looks radically different and offers the narrowest of windows to reimagine—and improve upon—existing systems. Our ultimate vision is a world in which blockchain lives up to its fullest potential: normalizing the core values of privacy, fairness, and decentralized action while creating new protocols for value transfer. An engaged community, leveraging its unique knowledge, talents, and passions, is the vehicle that will bring this vision to fruition.
Mission Statement
Our mission is to foster an informational ecosystem for blockchain technology by building the rails and providing a home for impactful research. We aim to serve as an educational hub for the community, help ensure open access to knowledge, and ultimately, concretize blockchain as a primary, standalone field. In this way, we allow every new idea the opportunity to have maximum impact.
History
Cryptoeconomic Systems was first conceptualized in 2018 as the Cryptocurrency Research Review. As this project grew, however, the need for a blockchain-first journal and conference series to showcase new research being done in the space became clear. In October 2019, Cryptoeconomic Systems held an initial field-building summit at MIT, and began laying the groundwork for a publication. Our first peer-reviewed conference was held in March 2020 (with limited in-person attendance due to COVID), and many of these papers were also accepted into the journal. Late 2020 saw many shakeups in the crypto space, and new CES initiatives being added. Our first print issue was released in the spring of 2021, with a second to follow in early summer.
Transparency is important, and the public should know about CES cryptocurrency holdings for disclosure/potential conflict of interest considerations. Any crypto we possess will be passed through these wallets and listed here, and this page will be updated regularly. Last Update: April 2021
