Autopoiesis in Decentralized Autonomous Organizations as Complex Systems: A Comparative Analysis and Case Studies

Department of Mathematics, Computer Science and Physics, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
Email: francescosantoro76@gmail.com
Manuscript received August 14, 2024; revised August 28, 2024; accepted September 7, 2024

Abstract—This article explores the concept of autopoiesis and its application to Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs). Autopoiesis describes the self-producing and self-maintaining characteristics of living systems, a concept that has been applied in various fields beyond biology. DAOs, operating on blockchain technology, exhibit a level of autonomy, transparency, and democratic governance. They are self-governing and self-sustaining systems that operate based on coded rules and protocols. The article suggests that DAOs align with the concept of autopoiesis, making them a specific type of complex system. Diverse case studies demonstrate the resilience and autopoietic features of these organizations. All things considered, the concept of autopoiesis could provide a valuable lens for understanding DAOs.

Keywords—autopoiesis, decentralized autonomous organizations, DAOs, blockchain technology, smart contracts, complex systems, autopoietic systems, resilience, adaptability

Cite: Francesco Santoro, "Autopoiesis in Decentralized Autonomous Organizations as Complex Systems: A Comparative Analysis and Case Studies," International Journal of Blockchain Technologies and Applications vol. 2, no. 2, pp. 90-99, 2024.

Copyright © 2024 by the authors. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited (CC BY 4.0).