Presenting My First Research Paper: Blockchain-Powered Micro-Credentials in Higher Education

One of the most memorable milestones in my academic journey was presenting the results of my very first published article at a conference in Chicago. The session focused on my research into micro-credentials powered by blockchain technology — an area that perfectly bridges my expertise in instructional design, digital transformation, and higher education innovation.

The Research Focus

Micro-credentials — short, verifiable records of specific learning achievements — are a powerful tool to foster lifelong learning and to make education more flexible, transparent, and portable. However, implementing them at scale in higher education comes with challenges:

• Standardization: ensuring consistent recognition across institutions and borders.

• Cost: both visible (infrastructure, licenses) and hidden (human resources, administrative adjustments).

Blockchain has been proposed as a secure, tamper-proof solution for issuing and verifying micro-credentials. But does the technology’s promise outweigh its costs for universities?

The Study

In collaboration with Yevgen Bogodistov (MCI Management Center Innsbruck) and Guido Perscheid (Otto-Friedrich University Bamberg), we conducted a Discrete Choice Experiment (DCE) framed by Prospect Theory to examine how higher education institutions (HEIs) perceive the indirect costs of implementing blockchain-based credentialing systems.

Our findings showed that:

• Human resources, transaction fees, and payment adjustments are significant deterrents to adoption.

• How these costs are framed and communicated can significantly influence willingness to adopt.

• Decision-making is multi-dimensional: institutions weigh cost factors collectively, not in isolation.

Why It Matters

Understanding these dynamics is crucial for designing effective adoption strategies. If blockchain-powered micro-credentials are to become mainstream, HEIs need cost models, governance frameworks, and technical integrations that minimize resistance and maximize value.

My Experience in Chicago

Presenting this research internationally was both exciting and humbling. Standing in front of an audience of researchers, educators, and innovators, I shared our methodology, findings, and implications for policy and practice. The discussions that followed reinforced the global relevance of the topic, from European universities to North American institutions, the same cost–benefit challenges apply.

Looking Ahead

This research is just the first step. Moving forward, I aim to:

• Explore combined cost–benefit frameworks that account for both financial and strategic value.

• Investigate trust and interoperability models to support adoption across borders.

• Continue collaborating with international partners to pilot blockchain credentialing in real-world higher education settings.

For me, this paper represents more than just a publication. It's the foundation of a research path that connects technology, strategy, and the future of global education.