This question is not easy to answer, especially when you consider the questions that follow. Once we begin contemplating blockchain applications for academia, the reliance on centralized structures and system complexity in our schools/universities becomes apparent.
What motivates me to think about an academic blockchain? [Link]
What is academia and what comprises the academic ecosystem? [Link]
What are the possible goals of an academic blockchain?
What parts of the academic process can benefit most from blockchain applications?
Can all of academia be decentralized?
Should all of academia be decentralized?
Are there parts of academia better under centralization?
Is it possible to build a blockchain ecosystem that contains the features required for academia?
Does blockchain technology exist to support academia? If not who can develop it?
Is there an existing blockchain platform that can support the needs of academia; ethereum, steem, eos etc..
Will there be resistance to changing the way academia interfaces with the rest of society; why, who?
I am looking to post my thoughts on these and new questions as they appear.