Basics of Blockchain: A Guide for Building Literacy in the Economics, Technology, and Business of Blockchain By Bettina Warburg, Tom Serres, Bill Wagner

Basics of Blockchain is a clear, practical, and insightful guide for anyone seeking to understand blockchain technology—beyond the hype and headlines. Written by blockchain experts Bettina Warburg, Tom Serres, and Bill Wagner, this book bridges the gap between the technical complexities of blockchain and its real-world applications in economics, business, and governance.

Through relatable explanations, diagrams, and case studies, the authors break down the history, underlying mechanics, and future potential of blockchain systems. They explain how distributed ledgers work, why decentralization matters, and how this technology is transforming industries—from finance and supply chains to healthcare and digital identity.

Unlike purely technical manuals, Basics of Blockchain focuses equally on economics, technology, and business implications, ensuring that readers gain a holistic understanding. Whether you’re a business leader planning a blockchain strategy, a policymaker exploring regulation, or simply a curious learner, this book provides the literacy needed to engage confidently in blockchain-related conversations and decisions.

Key topics include:

• How blockchain works and why it’s considered a foundational technology.
• Cryptography essentials and the role of consensus mechanisms.
• Public vs. private blockchains and their use cases.
• Token economics, smart contracts, and decentralized applications.
• The societal, economic, and regulatory challenges ahead.

This is not just a primer—it’s a roadmap for navigating the evolving blockchain ecosystem and spotting opportunities in its growth.

✅ What You’ll Learn:

• Understand the fundamentals of blockchain technology and its architecture.
• Identify key economic and business drivers behind blockchain adoption.
• Distinguish between different blockchain types and consensus models.
• Recognize real-world applications and case studies across industries.
• Evaluate the risks, challenges, and future trends of blockchain.

💡 Key Benefits

• Gain a balanced view of blockchain from technical, economic, and business perspectives.
• Speak the language of blockchain with confidence in professional settings.
• Learn from real examples that connect theory to practice.
• Stay ahead of industry disruption with informed decision-making.

👤 Who This Book Is For:

• Entrepreneurs, executives, and strategists exploring blockchain solutions.
• Students and professionals seeking to build blockchain literacy.
• Investors, policymakers, and innovators in emerging tech fields.
• Anyone curious about how blockchain will shape the future economy.

📚 Table of Contents:

1. Introduction to Blockchain
2. Blockchain in the Context of Technology and Economics
3. How Blockchain Works: Core Concepts
4. Cryptography, Consensus, and Security
5. Public vs. Private Blockchains
6. Tokenization and Smart Contracts
7. Blockchain Use Cases Across Industries
8. Regulatory, Legal, and Ethical Considerations
9. The Future of Blockchain
10. Final Thoughts and Resources