Exploring Blockchain Applications in Higher Education: A Qualitative Multiple Case Study Approach

Introduction. Blockchain technology is poised to transform the higher education sector by enhancing transparency, security and efficiency in processes such as credential verification and intellectual property management (Camilleri & Grech, 2017; El Koshiry et al., 2023). Despite its potential, limited research exists on its practical implementation in education, particularly in Ireland. This study addresses this gap by exploring blockchain applications in various industries and assessing their potential transferability to the education sector. This research aims to provide insights for stakeholders and policymakers.

Goals and Methods. This research adopts an exploratory, qualitative, multiple case study design, guided by a blend of interpretivism and pragmatism. The study examines blockchain’s use in supply chain, finance and healthcare to evaluate its educational potential. Data collection methods include an integrative literature review, semi-structured interviews, case study analysis. Purposeful sampling was employed to select interview participants from these industries, facilitating the identification of practical blockchain applications suitable for educational purposes. It also explores the barriers and complexities involved in adopting blockchain. The study integrates insights from scientific literature and grey literature, ensuring a broad perspective on blockchain’s current state.

Results. Preliminary findings suggest that blockchain applications in supply chain, finance and healthcare provide effective frameworks for enhancing transparency and security in data management – key characteristics for education, particularly for automating academic credentialing and secure data storage. Interviews with industry experts highlighted the challenges of blockchain adoption, such as the need for regulatory clarity and technical expertise, revealing that successful integration in education often depends on political decisions, and without support from leadership, the implementation fails.

Conclusions. This research identifies significant parallels between blockchain applications in diverse industries and their potential use in education, offering valuable insights into how blockchain can be adapted to meet educational needs, providing a foundation for future research and practical recommendations.