We're in a period when blockchain or "Distributed Ledger Technology" is the Solution to Everything™, so it is inevitable that it will be proposed as the solution to the problems of academic communication and digital preservation. These proposals typically assume, despite the evidence, that real-world blockchain implementations actually deliver the theoretical attributes of decentralization, immutability, anonymity, security, scalability, sustainability, lack of trust, etc.
I was asked to summarize what would be needed for success apart from working technology (which we pretty much have)? My answer was four things:
A sustainable business model
Anti-trust enforcement
The killer app
A way to remove content
IT involves the search for new opportunities through the introduction of new products into new markets. This kind of diversification strategy is one of the most risky and costly for company.