Article: Advancing resilience in Ethereum, Bitcoin, and blockchain technology: a comprehensive analysis of scalability, security, and sustainability challenges in a VUCA world Journal: International Journal of Blockchains and Cryptocurrencies (IJBC) 2025 Vol.6 No.2 pp.113 - 131 Abstract: Blockchain technology, exemplified by platforms such as Ethereum and Bitcoin, is reshaping decentralised ecosystems and holds profound implications for socio-economic transformation within an increasingly volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) global environment. Yet, its broader adoption is hindered by challenges related to scalability, security, environmental sustainability, governance, and interoperability. This study, grounded in the Technology-Organisation-Environment (TOE) framework, critically investigates these multifaceted barriers and proposes strategic interventions to optimise blockchain deployment. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research integrates quantitative performance metrics with qualitative insights from expert interviews and case analyses. It evaluates Ethereum's transition to proof of stake (PoS), Bitcoin's evolving economic roles, and the expanding applications of blockchain in DeFi, asset tokenisation, and Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs). Further, it explores governance innovations, privacy safeguards, and the emerging threat of quantum computing. The study presents empirically grounded, theoretically informed recommendations to enhance blockchain's scalability, security, and compliance, fostering ethical, inclusive, and sustainable digital futures. Inderscience Publishers - linking academia, business and industry through research

Title: Advancing resilience in Ethereum, Bitcoin, and blockchain technology: a comprehensive analysis of scalability, security, and sustainability challenges in a VUCA world

Authors: Gabriel Kabanda

Addresses: Graduate School of Business and Leadership, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 4000, South Africa

Abstract: Blockchain technology, exemplified by platforms such as Ethereum and Bitcoin, is reshaping decentralised ecosystems and holds profound implications for socio-economic transformation within an increasingly volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) global environment. Yet, its broader adoption is hindered by challenges related to scalability, security, environmental sustainability, governance, and interoperability. This study, grounded in the Technology-Organisation-Environment (TOE) framework, critically investigates these multifaceted barriers and proposes strategic interventions to optimise blockchain deployment. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research integrates quantitative performance metrics with qualitative insights from expert interviews and case analyses. It evaluates Ethereum's transition to proof of stake (PoS), Bitcoin's evolving economic roles, and the expanding applications of blockchain in DeFi, asset tokenisation, and Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs). Further, it explores governance innovations, privacy safeguards, and the emerging threat of quantum computing. The study presents empirically grounded, theoretically informed recommendations to enhance blockchain's scalability, security, and compliance, fostering ethical, inclusive, and sustainable digital futures.

Keywords: blockchain technology; ethereum; bitcoin; resilience; scalability; sustainability; securities; security systems.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBC.2025.147781

International Journal of Blockchains and Cryptocurrencies, 2025 Vol.6 No.2, pp.113 - 131

Received: 03 Feb 2025
Accepted: 07 Apr 2025
Published online: 31 Jul 2025 *

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Title: Advancing resilience in Ethereum, Bitcoin, and blockchain technology: a comprehensive analysis of scalability, security, and sustainability challenges in a VUCA world

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