Blockchain Technology as a Competitive Advantage for Higher Education Institutions in the Philippines

This research explores blockchain as a competitive advantage (CA) for higher education institutions (HEIs) in the Philippines. The respondents' awareness of the relevance of blockchain use was also tested. The researcher aims to verify if blockchain is a foundational technology to be implemented in academe. Theoretical framework was formulated based on the knowledge procurement cycle and distributed learning ledger. The researcher proposes that conceptual framework, centered on blockchain (Ethereum), will enhance recordkeeping in education. Frequency, percentage, and weighted mean determined the degree of relevance of blockchain as CA of Philippine HEIs. One-way ANOVA determined respondents' significant relationship (SR) with regard to blockchain awareness and identified SR of blockchain as CA over other colleges in terms of cost and differentiation. The results showed that students were most aware of the relevance of blockchain while professors were least aware. Both null hypotheses were accepted. There is no SR on the respondents' awareness on the use of blockchain. Respondents considered technology relevant and a foundational technology in recordkeeping. The research proposes EduChain Activity Flow Model to enhance recordkeeping in the academe. It will offer ample job opportunities to students in the field of blockchain. Also, the researcher suggests that administrators may incorporate blockchain training as part of faculty development. This research will pave the way for future researchers to study other aspects of blockchain in education.