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Bitcoin on the map with Dr. Padraig Corcoran | SLP709

Bitcoin on the map with Dr. Padraig Corcoran | SLP709

Stephan Livera Podcast vor 7 Monaten

0:00

36:37

In this conversation, Dr. Padraig Corcoran discusses his research
on Bitcoin as a medium of exchange, focusing on the use of
spatial data from OpenStreetMap and BTC Map. He explores the
dynamics of merchant adoption, the role of community initiatives,
and the implications for policymakers. The conversation
highlights the importance of grassroots movements in promoting
Bitcoin usage and the potential for growth in merchant acceptance
as technology improves.

Takeaways:

Bitcoin serves multiple purposes: unit of account, store of
value, medium of exchange.

OpenStreetMap is a crowdsourced geographical data project.

BTC Map helps identify merchants accepting Bitcoin.

Adoption of Bitcoin as a medium of exchange is growing.

Quality of crowdsourced data can vary significantly.

Community initiatives play a crucial role in Bitcoin adoption.

Government policies do not directly influence merchant adoption.

The Lightning Network is vital for facilitating Bitcoin
transactions.

Merchants often accept Bitcoin to attract a specific customer
base.

Bitcoin can function as both a store of value and a medium of
exchange.

Timestamps:

(00:00) - Intro

(01:08) - Dr. Padraig Corcoran’s background & his research on
Bitcoin and Spatial Analysis

(02:31) - OpenStreetMap; Pros & Cons of crowdsourced
geographical data

(06:19) - How did BTC Map use OpenStreetMap to represent Bitcoin
merchants?

(10:08) - What are the insights from analysing the adoption of
Bitcoin as a medium of exchange?

(15:25) - Nation level vs. Grassroots Bitcoin adoption; Bitcoin
circular economies

(18:37) - Bitcoin adoption in El Salvador vs Berlin

(19:51) - Are merchants accepting Bitcoin without them knowing
about it?

(23:14) - What are the factors influencing merchant adoption?;
Learnings for policymakers from Dr. Padraig’s research

(25:19) - What kind of Bitcoin businesses are on BTC Map?

(27:49) - Is Bitcoin only for savings?

(32:30) - What should Bitcoin builders focus on?

(33:34) - What is Dr. Padraig’s perception of Bitcoin as money?

(35:23) - Closing thoughts

Links:

https://x.com/pcorcoran9

https://x.com/btcmap/status/1993737818271633638

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s40854-025-00871-z

Stephan Livera links:

Follow me on X: @stephanlivera

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