ABSTRACT This research aims to analyze the effects of the adoption of blockchain on information governance and transaction costs. We present an exploratory, quantitative, and qualitative study. In the first stage, quantitative, a theoretical model was developed and tested based on structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). Data collection was carried out through an online survey with IT and management professionals involved in blockchain projects from different countries. In the second stage, qualitative, a multiple case study was carried out in order to illustrate how the relations of the developed model are established. In the quantitative phase, the study’s hypotheses were supported and it was observed that the adoption of blockchain technology can be seen as a mechanism to reduce transaction costs, since it has a positive impact on information governance. In the qualitative phase, it was observed that, in the three cases analyzed, characteristics such as information security, transparency, and the possibility.

ABSTRACT New technologies lead to significant changes in how public and private organizations structure their processes and activities. This study aims to identify the challenges and opportunities of using blockchain technology in government accounting in Brazil. This is a descriptive research using quantitative and qualitative data, collected through a questionnaire applied to a non-probabilistic sample of 94 professionals. The data were submitted to descriptive statistical analysis and content analysis, based on seven categories: technology, government accounting, security, transparency, control, change, and knowledge. For 89.4% of respondents, blockchain can improve government accounting and be applied to financial transactions, auditing, and asset transfers. The technology offers the benefits of trust and control, information security, and control against fraud and corruption. For 98.9% of the sample, the challenges of using blockchain technology in government accounting are the lack of knowledge about the technology and its cost-benefit and implementation, difficulties in replacing or adapting systems, and few blockchain use cases demonstrating the technology’s use and application.

Resumo Objetivo: Este artigo examina a capacidade de inovação das empresas contábeis no mercado brasileiro, a partir do uso de tecnologias digitais, tendo como base as capacidades de desenvolvimento de tecnologia, operação, gerenciamento e transação. Metodologia: Realizaram-se entrevistas com o gestor principal das empresas e foram coletados documentos institucionais e documentos externos sobre o contexto nacional e internacional da inovação dos negócios contábeis. Resultados: A Contabilidade iniciou o caminho que tradicionalmente se percorre em direção à inovação digital, demonstrando a qualidade e o valor que as soluções relacionadas às tecnologias podem gerar ao serem exploradas nos negócios e, principalmente, nos processos. Esse incremento tecnológico provoca alterações nos modelos de negócio contábeis. Contribuições: Contribui-se para a construção do corpo teórico sobre inovação e Contabilidade, identificando que essa área está a caminho da inovação por utilizar novas tecnologias na criação de operações e no gerenciamento de transações. Constata-se que o processo de inovação e de transformação digital já se apresenta como um desafio real a ser gerenciado.

Abstract Purpose: This article examines the innovation capability of accounting firms in the Brazilian market, in their use of digital technologies, based on technology development, operation, management, and transaction capabilities. Design/methodology/approach: We carried out interviews with the main managers of the companies and collected institutional documents and external documents on the national and international context of accounting business innovation. Findings: Accounting has begun on the traditional path towards digital innovation, demonstrating the quality and value that technology-related solutions can generate when exploited in business and especially in processes. This increase in technology causes changes in accounting business models. Originality/value: The paper contributes to the theoretical body of work on innovation and accounting, identifying that this area is on the way towards innovation by using new technologies in the creation of operations and transaction management. It is clear that the process of innovation and digital transformation already presents a real challenge to be managed.

Resumo Este estudo objetivou identificar as características de modelos de negócios inovadores que utilizam a blockchain. Através de uma pesquisa qualitativa e descritiva, buscamos, no banco de dados Crunshbase, as empresas que tiveram em sua descrição de atividade o termo Blockchain, obtendo um total de 810 empresas. Os dados obtidos foram tabulados em planilha do Excel e realizou-se coleta de informações adicionais nos sites das organizações. O processo de análise de dados utilizou a técnica de análise documental e análise de conteúdo. Os resultados nos permitiram identificar que a maioria das organizações foi fundada a partir de 2014 e estão localizadas na América do Norte. Em relação à área de atuação das organizações, observa-se que a maioria delas atua na área Financeira e Tecnológica. Além disso, 10 empresas já estavam em funcionamento antes da criação da tecnologia blockchain, ressaltando a característica de uma tecnologia disruptiva que é a readequação de empresas estabelecidas. Por fim, destaca-se contribuições relacionadas ao campo, ao identificar as principais áreas de atuação dos negócios que utilizam a blockchain, bem como revelando descrições importantes sobre essas empresas. Além de contribuições para a teoria, ao apresentar evidências empíricas de negócios atuantes com essa tecnologia e suas contribuições para as diversas áreas de negócios.

Abstract The goal is to identify the characteristics of innovative business models that use blockchain technology. Through a qualitative and descriptive research, we sought, in the Crunshbase database, the companies that had in their activity description the word Blockchain, obtaining a total of 810 companies. The data obtained were tabulated in Excel spreadsheet and we carried out a collection of additional information on the websites of the organizations. The process of data analysis used the technique of document analysis and content analysis. The results allowed us to identify that most organizations' foundation date from 2014 and are located in North America. Regarding the area of expertise of these organizations, it can be observed that most of them belong to financial and technology areas. Moreover, 10 companies were already in operation before the creation of blockchain technology, pointing out the characteristic of a disruptive technology, which is the readjustment of established companies. Finally, we highlight the contributions related to the field, by identifying the main areas of business that use blockchain technology, as well as revealing important descriptions about these companies. In addition to contributions to the theory, by presenting empirical evidences of active business with this technology and its contributions to the various areas.