Enhancing Transparency and Trust in Higher Education Institutions via Blockchain: A Conceptual Model Utilizing the Ethereum Consortium Approach

Yerlan Kistaubayev, Francisco Liébana-Cabanillas (), Aijaz A. Shaikh, Galimkair Mutanov, Olga Ussatova and Ainura Shinbayeva
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Yerlan Kistaubayev: Faculty of Information Technologies, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty 050010, Kazakhstan
Francisco Liébana-Cabanillas: Marketing and Market Research Department, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
Aijaz A. Shaikh: Department of Information Security, The Institute of Information and Computational Technologies, Almaty 050010, Kazakhstan
Galimkair Mutanov: Department of Information Security, The Institute of Information and Computational Technologies, Almaty 050010, Kazakhstan
Olga Ussatova: Department of Information Security, The Institute of Information and Computational Technologies, Almaty 050010, Kazakhstan
Ainura Shinbayeva: Department of Standardization, Certification and Metrology, Satbayev University, Almaty 050013, Kazakhstan

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 20, 1-34

Abstract: It has been recognized that Blockchain technology contributes to environmentally sustainable development goals (SDGs). It has emerged as a disruptive innovation capable of transforming various economic and social sectors significantly. This conceptual paper is driven by the need to explore how blockchain, specifically a consortium-based Ethereum architecture, can be integrated into higher education institutions to ensure data sovereignty, integrity, and verifiability while adhering to legal and ethical standards such as GDPR. We propose a multi-layered blockchain-based model for Kazakhstan’s Unified Platform of Higher Education (UPHE). This model employs hybrid on-chain/off-chain data storage, smart contract automation, and a Proof-of-Authority consensus mechanism to address system limitations, including data centralization and inadequate verification of academic credentials. Empirical simulations using Blockscout and Ethereum-compatible tools demonstrate the model’s feasibility and performance. This paper contributes to the growing discussion on educational blockchain applications by presenting a scalable, secure, and transparent architecture that aligns with institutional governance and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. It also supports the objectives of UN SDG 4 (i.e., Quality education) by fostering trust, transparency, and equitable access to verifiable educational credentials.

Keywords: blockchain adoption; interdisciplinary analysis; sectoral impact; organisational innovation; technology integration (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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