Digital Wallets: A Slow Revolution?

September 2023
London School of Economics (LSE)

Digital Wallets: A Slow Revolution?

Introduction

Ever wondered why your digital wallet isn't everyone's go-to? Dive into the intriguing world of fintech with the London School of Economics' eye-opening article. Discover how India's sudden currency swap in 2016 sparked a digital payment revolution, yet why cash still reigns supreme. Unpack the mystery of slow tech adoption and the hurdles of coordination failures. It's a financial tech thriller that'll have you questioning the future of your money!

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Why It Matters

Discover how this topic shapes your world and future

Unlocking the Digital Wallet Puzzle

Imagine a world where carrying cash or cards becomes a thing of the past, and all you need to make a purchase is your smartphone. This isn't a scene from a sci-fi movie; it's the reality digital wallets promise to deliver. Yet, despite their convenience and the rapid advancement of financial technologies, the shift from traditional payment methods to digital wallets isn't happening as quickly as one might expect. This topic matters because it's not just about how we pay for a candy bar or a pair of sneakers; it's about accessibility to financial services, especially in developing countries where such access could significantly improve lives. Moreover, the challenges and debates surrounding the adoption of digital wallets—like coordination failures among retailers and the role of policy interventions—reflect broader issues in the adoption of new technologies. For you, understanding these dynamics isn't just academically interesting; it's a peek into the future of commerce, technology, and social equity on a global scale.

Speak like a Scholar

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Digital wallets

Virtual wallets that store payment information on a mobile device, used for making transactions more straightforward and faster.

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Fintech

Short for financial technology, it refers to any technological innovation in financial services, including digital wallets, online banking, and cryptocurrencies.

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Demonetization

The act of stripping a currency unit of its status as legal tender, meaning the currency cannot be used to pay for goods and services.

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Coordination failures

Situations where the inability of individuals or firms to coordinate their choices leads to outcomes that are undesirable for all involved.

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Network externalities

Effects of a product or service where its value increases as more people use it. Think of how a social media platform becomes more valuable when more of your friends join.

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Adoption externalities

Similar to network externalities, but specifically refers to the benefits or drawbacks that the adoption of a technology or product has on others not directly involved in the adoption.

Independent Research Ideas

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Comparative study of digital wallet adoption rates across different countries

Investigate why some countries have higher adoption rates of digital wallets than others. Look into economic, cultural, and technological factors that influence these rates.

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The role of government policies in fostering fintech adoption

Explore how different government interventions, like demonetisation in India, impact the adoption of financial technologies. Consider both positive and negative effects.

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Network externalities and their impact on small businesses

Examine how small businesses are influenced by network externalities when deciding whether to adopt digital wallets. This could involve case studies or surveys of small business owners.

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The psychological barriers to switching to digital wallets

Investigate the psychological factors that make people hesitant to switch from traditional payment methods to digital wallets, such as trust, security concerns, and resistance to change.

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The environmental impact of digital wallets vs. traditional payment methods

Analyze the environmental footprint of digital wallets compared to physical cash and cards. Consider factors like energy consumption of digital transactions and the production and disposal of plastic cards.