Blockchain governance in the public sector: A conceptual framework for public management

A key challenge behind the adoption of blockchain in the public sector is understanding the dynamics of blockchain governance. Based on a systematic literature review, this article analyzes different approaches to blockchain governance across disciplines and develops a comprehensive conceptual framework for the study of blockchain governance decisions in the public sector. The framework clusters nine types of governance decisions (infrastructure architecture, application architecture, interoperability, decision-making mechanism, incentive mechanism, consensus mechanism, organization of governance, accountability of governance, and control of governance) into three levels of analysis (micro, meso, and macro-levels). Drawing on public management theories and concepts, the article elucidates the implications of various governance choices in each level of governance and provides a primer for researchers and policy practitioners on the design of blockchain-based systems in the public sector. •Blockchain governance decisions in the public sector can be analyzed at micro, meso, and macro levels•Governance needs to be aligned with the policy objectives, public values, institutional framework, and societal expectations.•Legislative, market, political-administrative, and socio-technological framework conditions may accentuate certain choices .•Blockchain governance is innately not agnostic nor apolitical.•Blockchain technology likely necessitates public sector organizations to give up certain prerogatives in public management.