Participant Information
Thank you for taking the time to participate in this research study.
This survey forms part of a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) dissertation. Participation is open to individuals who reside in the New York Metropolitan Area, including New York City, Long Island, Westchester, nearby Hudson Valley counties, Northern New Jersey, and Connecticut suburbs within the greater New York metropolitan region.
The survey is completely anonymous and will take approximately 4–6 minutes to complete. You will not be asked to provide your name, email address, or any other personally identifiable information.
Your participation is entirely voluntary. You may discontinue the survey at any time before submitting your responses. Once submitted, your responses cannot be withdrawn, as no identifying information is collected.
Please answer all questions openly and honestly based on your own knowledge, experiences, and opinions. There are no right or wrong answers. Your responses are valuable and will contribute to the accuracy and credibility of this research.
The demographic information collected in this questionnaire is intended solely for statistical analysis and to examine differences across participant groups. The information provided will be used exclusively for academic research purposes and in accordance with applicable ethical research guidelines.
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Introduction
The transition from the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) to the Fifth Industrial Revolution (5IR) has transformed how technology is developed and applied. While 4IR accelerated the adoption of technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), blockchain, and cloud computing, it also raised concerns around data privacy, security, and ethical use of personal information. In contrast, 5IR emphasizes human-centered innovation, transparency, sustainability, and responsible technology.
Within this environment, Decentralized Finance (DeFi) has emerged as an alternative to traditional financial systems by leveraging blockchain, AI, and smart contracts to deliver secure, transparent, and inclusive financial services. DeFi has the potential to improve financial inclusion by reducing reliance on traditional banking intermediaries and expanding access to funding.
As an early adopter of emerging technologies, the United States provides an ideal setting to examine the factors influencing individuals' willingness to adopt DeFi. This study investigates the key drivers of DeFi adoption and evaluates its potential as a sustainable and inclusive alternative funding platform in the 5IR era.