About EDI
The Edinburgh Decentralisation Index is an initiative by the Blockchain Technology Lab at the University of Edinburgh to establish transparent, measurable decentralisation metrics for blockchain networks. Part of our mission is to reduce reliance on third-party data sources by independently gathering data through full-node setups. This approach enables us to track live updates and critical network decentralisation metrics via direct observation. All data will be publicly archived at the Edinburgh International Data Facility (EIDF), fostering transparency and accessibility for all as well as the replicability of the measurements.
Our Approach and Current Status
- Full Node Operation: We currently operate a full node for Bitcoin, from which we derive data for our dashboard’s Bitcoin charts.
- Ongoing Expansion: We’re in the process of setting up full nodes for Ethereum and Cardano, and aiming to replicate this same approach for all listed blockchains.
- Public Data Repository: All collected data will be archived and made accessible via EIDF, ensuring transparency, accountability, and replicability.
Specific Needs for Including a New Blockchain
Running full nodes for data collection costs both in terms of hardware as well as in terms of engineering time. We invite blockchain projects to support and collaborate with EDI in expanding decentralisation metrics and making them as inclusive as possible. For a new blockchain to be onboarded, we have to set up a full node for the network that requires the following resources:
1) Cloud Resources: Financial funding for hosting and maintaining a full node for the new blockchain.
2) Engineering Time: Financial support for technical engineering to ensure proper node setup, updates, and maintenance.
Criteria for Inclusion in EDI
To maintain objectivity and rigor, we evaluate blockchain projects based on these thresholds and criteria:
1) Transparency
- The project must be publicly accessible, including open access to the ledger and development git repositories.
- We don’t base our work on whitepapers or proprietary systems.
2) Community Engagement
- An active community is essential. Evidence for this include forums, Discord servers, Telegram channels, or similar platforms that are open for all to join and participate.
- For projects that don’t cover all blockchain layers (e.g., DeFi or layer-two solutions), active community involvement in at least one core layer is required.
3) Market Metrics
- Evidence of market activity, such as trading volume, and being listed in multiple exchanges is necessary for inclusion.
Let’s Collaborate
If you want to propose a blockchain project for inclusion and you have suggestions for how this can be funded, please let us know by emailing edi@ed.ac.uk and we can work together to make this initiative successful.
