Business school INSEAD has announced the appointment of Don Tapscott, a leading authority on the digital age, as adjunct professor of technology and operations management with effect from Sept. 1. INSEAD has also agreed to a two-year partnership with The Blockchain Research Institute (BRI), a think tank co-founded by Tapscott.
Blockchain is transforming business with far-reaching implications for the global economy and society. It is widely known as the technology that underpins bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, and is referred to by Tapscott as the “internet of value.” Blockchain also holds great potential for many more applications such as secure and validated data transactions. These applications can strengthen and stabilize developing markets, which opens opportunities around the world.
To prepare future business leaders to tap into the potential of this exciting emerging technology, the INSEAD–BRI partnership will advance research on the evolving blockchain technology and its impact on business and society.
Peter Zemsky, deputy dean at INSEAD and dean of innovation, said: “Blockchain technology will fundamentally create new business models, transform most industries, and even disrupt the disruptors. INSEAD needs to be on top of this new wave of change to prepare future leaders for this transformation. We warmly welcome Don to the institution and look forward to partnering with BRI to take research and business applications of blockchain technology to a whole new level.”
Tapscott said: “Blockchain represents nothing less than the second era of the internet, but to fully realize its potential we need to make sure business leaders are educated about its strategic implications. That was what motivated us to start the BRI, and it’s why I look forward to working with INSEAD as they educate the global business leaders of tomorrow.”
Tapscott is the CEO of The Tapscott Group and the co-founder and executive chairman of The Blockchain Research Institute. He is a globally recognized thought leader in this field and the author of 16 books.
Under the partnership, joint research, teaching and seminars will be conducted to better understand how this technology can change the way organizations are managed and prepare business leaders for a new definition of competition. The partnership will also support development of an INSEAD online program for business leaders to leverage the possibilities and strategic value of blockchain technology.
