Charting a Transformative Path: My DBA Journey into Blockchain Education at SP Jain Global
Embarking on a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) is no small decision. It was not just an academic pursuit—it was a calling shaped by years of professional experience, an innate curiosity about emerging technologies, and a desire to create a tangible impact in education and business ecosystems. When I chose SP Jain Global for this journey, I found an institution that supported not only academic rigour but also encouraged global thinking, innovation, and practical relevance.
Why SP Jain Global?
What inspired me to pursue my DBA at SP Jain Global was its uniquely global and industry-connected approach to doctoral education. The program’s emphasis on applied research, coupled with access to faculty who are industry practitioners and thought leaders, gave me the confidence that my research could translate into real-world impact. SP Jain Global’s cross-campus presence, especially in global business hubs like Dubai and Singapore, offered an ideal backdrop to study disruptive technologies like blockchain—technologies that transcend borders and traditional business models.
More importantly, the DBA program became a gateway to an expanding network of global peers, mentors, and experts across industries. Each workshop, academic event, and presentation created new bridges—introducing me to professionals from technology firms, policy think tanks, higher education institutions, and corporate strategy roles. These connections are not just academic—they have evolved into valuable work-oriented relationships, opening doors for collaboration, resource exchange, and future consulting or training initiatives.
Why Blockchain Education in the UAE?
The idea for my research topic, “Implementation of Blockchain Education in UAE Business,” was born out of observation and urgency. As blockchain continues to revolutionise sectors like finance, supply chain, healthcare, and governance, I noticed a significant gap: while adoption of blockchain solutions is accelerating, understanding and education about blockchain remain confined to technical domains. This disconnect limits innovation, slows adoption, and restricts strategic integration in non-tech sectors.
The UAE, with its progressive digital vision and initiatives like the Emirates Blockchain Strategy 2021, stood out as a fertile ground for transformation. Yet, many businesses and professionals still grapple with foundational awareness. I wanted my research to bridge that gap—by identifying enablers, barriers, and strategic pathways to implement blockchain education within business environments in the UAE.
I also firmly believe that Education is the only place where the Blockchain will work efficiently as this is the only sector where all participants are at the same level, and all the stakeholders want the student to be certified.
Shaping My Research Perspective
My background in corporate strategy, education, and technology consulting offered a unique vantage point. I’ve witnessed firsthand how technology adoption in organisations fails not due to a lack of tools, but because of a lack of understanding, resistance to change, and absence of contextual training. Blockchain, often shrouded in complexity, demands not just technical expertise but a new way of thinking—about trust, decentralisation, transparency, and data security.
My experience helped me understand that education is the first block in the blockchain of adoption. It’s not just about coding smart contracts but about demystifying the technology for managers, policymakers, educators, and entrepreneurs. This human-centered lens shaped my research approach—emphasising accessible curriculum models, industry-academic collaboration, and policy recommendations for UAE stakeholders.
Beyond the Doctorate: What’s Next?
Completing this research is not the end—it’s the beginning of a mission. Post my doctorate, I plan to collaborate with UAE universities, training institutions, and chambers of commerce to introduce modular, application-oriented blockchain programs. I’m currently designing workshops and certification tracks tailored to business leaders, SMEs, and educators—aimed at turning passive interest into active implementation.
Additionally, I intend to publish practitioner-focused articles and policy briefs based on my findings to influence how blockchain is positioned within national education and digital transformation agendas. In the long-term, I envision launching a blockchain education think tank or consultancy to drive sustained awareness, capability-building, and adoption across MENA markets.
The network I built at SP Jain Global will play a pivotal role in this vision. Many of my cohort peers and faculty members have expressed interest in future joint projects—from co-authoring papers to cross-sector pilot programs. The alum connections and partnerships cultivated during this time are among my strongest resources—helping me access stakeholders, institutional support, and business forums to implement ideas.
The Most Rewarding Part
Reflecting on my DBA journey, discovering how academic research can be both rigorous and impactful was the most rewarding part. Every literature review, interview, and data point brought me closer to a greater purpose than the degree itself. The engagement with mentors and peers at SP Jain Global added immense value—challenging my assumptions, broadening my lens, and refining my arguments.
But perhaps the most fulfilling moment was presenting my research findings to a cross-section of industry leaders and receiving the feedback: “We didn’t know blockchain could be explained this simply.” That sentence reaffirmed everything I hoped my research would achieve.
In Conclusion
The DBA journey at SP Jain Global has been transformative—personally, professionally, and intellectually. It has empowered me to not just study blockchain, but to reimagine how we educate for the digital future. The relationships I have built, the perspectives I’ve gained, and the doors that have opened—these are as valuable as the degree itself.
As I continue this mission, I carry forward knowledge and a powerful network of changemakers—ready to build a smarter, more inclusive blockchain-enabled world. Blockchain is not just a technology; it’s a mindset shift and education is where that shift begins.
About the Author
Dr Shankar Subramanian Iyer completed his Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) from SP Jain School of Global Management. He currently works as a Senior Lecturer & Business Development Manager at Westford University College.
