Generative Blockchain: Transforming Blockchain from Transaction Recording to Transaction Generation through Proof-of-Merit

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Zhang, Haozhao; Zhang, Zhe (James); Zheng, Zhiqiang (Eric); Jacob, Varghese S.
• 署名单位: The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen; University of Texas System; University of Texas Dallas
• 刊物名称: JOURNAL OF MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0742-1222; 1557-928X
• DOI: 10.1080/07421222.2025.2561386
• 发表日期: 2025-10-02
• 页码: 1177-1205
• 关键词: Generative blockchain; Blockchain; proof of merit; transaction generation; agent-based simulation; online decentralization; systems; TECHNOLOGY; EFFICIENCY; algorithm; equity

摘要

This paper proposes a new type of blockchain, generative blockchain, that aims to transform the conventional blockchain from the focus of transaction-recording to transaction generation. The key to our design of generative blockchain lies in a novel consensus mechanism, proof-of-merit (PoM), that is uniquely designed for environments where businesses must solve complex problems before transactions find their place on the blockchain. PoM integrates the generation and recording of transactions within a unified blockchain system, differing fundamentally from prevailing consensus mechanisms whose primary objective is to record existing transactions. Specifically, PoM delegates the task of solving complex transaction-generating problems to a pool of independent problem solvers, whose solutions govern the generation of transactions, and selects the winning solutions based on merit. The winning solvers register these transactions onto the blockchain and are rewarded accordingly. We introduce a decentralized control parameter (DCP) to balance two key performance metrics of a generative blockchain: efficiency and equity. The applicability of our designed generative blockchain is illustrated through a ridesharing context, where a group of matchers (solvers) take on the task of matching riders with drivers. We demonstrate PoM's performance and nuanced properties using agent-based simulation and explore how to find the proper value of DCP toward achieving a desirable balance of efficiency and equity in a generative blockchain. We also implement a prototype blockchain using PoM mechanism to validate its feasibility and evaluate its performance.