Utility Tokens

Abstract

Utility tokens are digital currencies that serve as the only accepted means of payment for services and products provided through a blockchain-based platform. They finance the development of their product or service, reward and incentivize early adopters and network promoters, align economic incentives between supply, demand, and the marketplace, and enhance network effects among all participants. Their tokenomic design consists of the rules and regulations governing a token’s issuance, distribution, allocation, and potential destruction. The chapter describes utility tokens, compares them with other types of cryptoassets, and discusses their value creation process and role in network economics. It also reviews common tokenomic designs, discusses different regulatory approaches, and provides examples of current utility token applications in decentralized applications such as decentralized finance and virtual reality platforms (metaverses).

Citation

Benedetti, H., Caceres, C. and Abarzúa, L.Á. (2023), "Utility Tokens", Baker, H.K., Benedetti, H., Nikbakht, E. and Smith, S.S. (Ed.) The Emerald Handbook on Cryptoassets: Investment Opportunities and Challenges, Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 79-92. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-80455-320-620221006