Paper: SSRN 3166709

Abstract

This paper examines the market for initial coin offerings (ICOs). ICOs are smart contracts based on blockchain technology that are designed for entrepreneurs to

Complexity vs Empirical Score

  • Math Complexity: 2.0/10
  • Empirical Rigor: 3.0/10
  • Quadrant: Philosophers — conceptual discussion, limited math and data

Why this score: The paper appears to be an empirical study of a new financial market (ICOs) using observational data, which typically involves descriptive statistics, regression analysis, and event studies rather than advanced mathematical derivations. While it uses real-world data, the focus is on market analysis and implications rather than backtest-ready algorithmic trading code or rigorous performance metrics.

Research Flowchart

  flowchart TD
  A["Research Goal<br>Examine the ICO Market<br>via Blockchain Smart Contracts"] --> B["Methodology: Data Collection<br>Token Attributes, Issuer Info, Market Data"]
  B --> C["Methodology: Market Analysis<br>Price, Liquidity, Returns"]
  C --> D["Computational Process<br>Statistical Analysis of<br>Token Economics & Issuance"]
  D --> E{"Key Findings & Outcomes"}
  E --> F["ICOs as Efficient<br>Entrepreneurial Finance Tools"]
  E --> G["Token Price Determinants<br>Identified"]
  E --> H["Blockchain Transparency<br>Enhances Market Trust"]