The Blockchain Research Institute (BRI) is a global think tank dedicated to investigating the strategic implications of emerging technologies across industries and managerial functions. Since 2021, I have served as BRI’s Director of Research and Education, leading the design, execution, and delivery of the Institute’s global research program.
In this role, I manage the full research lifecycle—from business development and proposal scoping through to final publication and promotion. This includes liaising with prospective clients on custom research opportunities; drafting project proposals and custom research agreements; selecting and contracting subject-matter experts; managing the research budget; and overseeing development and content editing. I also coordinate peer-review processes (where applicable), collaborate with our editorial team on design and publishing, and support the creation of supplementary assets such as infographics and executive summaries. To maximize engagement, I help promote new research on BRI’s social media channels, generating graphics and tailored copy aligned with BRI’s marketing strategy. Throughout, I ensure projects are completed on time and on budget, coordinating multiple stakeholders and review cycles to deliver high-quality, client-aligned outputs.
Since its inception, BRI has published over 120 original research projects, including white papers, case studies, executive briefings, roundtable reports, and event transcripts. Each project is grounded in primary research—typically interviews with business and government leaders—and presented in a non-technical, platform-agnostic format designed to support informed decision-making. After a six-month exclusivity period for BRI Members, all research is released under a Creative Commons license to support broad access and global impact.
Initially launched as a syndicated research program, BRI’s model has evolved in response to changing client needs and market dynamics. Today, the research program focuses on high-impact, custom projects complemented by strategic education and expert advisory services. This transition has enabled BRI to deliver more targeted insights that address real-world challenges and opportunities in emerging technology ecosystems.
This role has deepened my expertise in managing complex editorial workflows, building strategic relationships with subject-matter experts, and translating frontier technologies into clear, decision-useful insights for executive audiences.
Alisa Acosta 