From Concept to Measurement: A Survey of How the Blockchain Trilemma Can Be Analyzed

2025-04-26

AI Summary

This study addresses the trade-off identification and Pareto-optimal configuration of blockchain’s “trilemma”—decentralization, scalability, and security—where existing analyses lack a unified conceptual framework and quantifiable metrics. Method: We first construct an operationalizable, three-dimensional metric system, explicitly defining the theoretical semantics and measurement methodologies for each sub-concept. Subsequently, we propose a cross-chain comparable analytical framework, integrating systematic literature review, conceptual analysis, and indicator operationalization modeling to derive a concept–indicator mapping matrix and delineate the applicability boundaries of each metric across blockchain paradigms (e.g., public vs. consortium chains). Contribution/Results: The work establishes a rigorous theoretical foundation and methodological toolkit for empirical evaluation and optimization-driven design of blockchain systems, enabling evidence-based trade-off analysis and configuration decisions.

Technology Category

• Game Theory and Economic Paradigms: Mechanism Design
• Search and Optimization: Evaluation and Analysis
• Data Mining & Knowledge Management: Scalability, Parallel & Distributed Systems

Application Category

• Security and Privacy: Blockchains and distributed ledgers
• Economics, Online Markets and Human Computation: Economic aspects of blockchain and cryptocurrencies
• Search and Retrieval-Augmented AI: Web evaluation methodologies and metrics

Abstract

To meet non-functional requirements, practitioners must identify Pareto-optimal configurations of the degree of decentralization, scalability, and security of blockchain systems. Maximizing all of these subconcepts is, however, impossible due to the trade-offs highlighted by the blockchain trilemma. We reviewed analysis approaches to identify constructs and their operationalization through metrics for analyzing the blockchain trilemma subconcepts and to assess the applicability of the operationalized constructs to various blockchain systems. By clarifying these constructs and metrics, this work offers a theoretical foundation for more sophisticated investigations into how the blockchain trilemma manifests in blockchain systems, helping practitioners identify Pareto-optimal configurations.

Problem

• Analyzing trade-offs in blockchain decentralization, scalability, security
• Identifying metrics to operationalize blockchain trilemma subconcepts
• Providing theoretical foundation for Pareto-optimal blockchain configurations

Innovation

• Surveying analysis approaches for blockchain trilemma
• Operationalizing constructs with metrics for trilemma subconcepts
• Clarifying constructs to identify Pareto-optimal configurations