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

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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)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Yerlan Kistaubayev & Francisco Liébana-Cabanillas & Aijaz A. Shaikh & Galimkair Mutanov & Olga Ussatova & Ainura Shinbayeva, 2025. "Enhancing Transparency and Trust in Higher Education Institutions via Blockchain: A Conceptual Model Utilizing the Ethereum Consortium Approach," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(20), pages 1-34, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:20:p:9350-:d:1776374
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jesse Yli-Huumo & Deokyoon Ko & Sujin Choi & Sooyong Park & Kari Smolander, 2016. "Where Is Current Research on Blockchain Technology?—A Systematic Review," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 11(10), pages 1-27, October.
    2. Adele Parmentola & Antonella Petrillo & Ilaria Tutore & Fabio De Felice, 2022. "Is blockchain able to enhance environmental sustainability? A systematic review and research agenda from the perspective of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 31(1), pages 194-217, January.
    3. Cristian Lepore & Michela Ceria & Andrea Visconti & Udai Pratap Rao & Kaushal Arvindbhai Shah & Luca Zanolini, 2020. "A Survey on Blockchain Consensus with a Performance Comparison of PoW, PoS and Pure PoS," Mathematics, MDPI, vol. 8(10), pages 1-26, October.
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