Discover Blockchain’s Potential with This INSEAD Course
Blockchain technology is rapidly changing industries from finance to supply chain management. Whether you’re a beginner or a business professional, understanding the fundamentals of blockchain is increasingly valuable. “Introduction to Blockchain” by INSEAD on Coursera offers an in-depth learning experience designed for non-technical and technical learners alike.
But does this course live up to the hype? In this detailed review, we’ll break down who it’s for, what you’ll learn, how it compares to alternatives, and whether it’s worth your investment.
🔍 What Is the “Introduction to Blockchain” Course?
Introduction to Blockchain is a beginner-friendly course presented by INSEAD, one of the world’s top business schools, and taught by Don Tapscott, a leading blockchain expert. This course is part of the Blockchain Revolution Specialization, making it ideal for learners who want a business-focused perspective on blockchain technology.
📌 Key Course Details:
- Platform: Coursera
- Instructor: Don Tapscott, co-founder of the Blockchain Research Institute
- Duration: 4 weeks (approximately 2 hours per week)
- Format: Self-paced, online
- Recommended For: Entrepreneurs, business professionals, beginners in blockchain
👉 Best For: Those looking for a solid introduction to blockchain without diving into programming.
🎯 What Will You Learn?
The course covers the essential concepts of blockchain, including:
- ✅ What is blockchain? – A fundamental breakdown of how blockchain works and why it matters
- ✅ Decentralized Finance (DeFi) – How blockchain is transforming financial systems
- ✅ Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin & Ethereum – Understanding how digital currencies function
- ✅ Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) – Exploring the future of money
- ✅ Real-world blockchain applications – From supply chain management to voting systems
📖 Bonus: It includes a practical project where you apply the UCL Blockchain Framework to real-world business scenarios.
🏆 Pros & Cons
Like any online course, “Introduction to Blockchain” has its strengths and weaknesses.
✨ Pros:
- ✔ Taught by blockchain expert Don Tapscott
- ✔ Covers both theoretical and business applications
- ✔ Part of Coursera’s Blockchain Revolution Specialization for deeper learning
- ✔ Flexible self-paced format
- ✔ No programming experience required
⚠ Cons:
- ❌ Not a hands-on coding course (more theory-based)
- ❌ Part of a paid specialization (though financial aid is available)
🔎 Who should take this course?
- Business professionals and entrepreneurs exploring blockchain adoption
- Anyone interested in blockchain’s impact on financial systems
- Students looking for an entry-level blockchain certificate
🚫 Who might want to skip it?
- Developers looking for technical training in blockchain programming
- Those who prefer entirely free blockchain courses
💰 Pricing & Value for Money
The course is included in Coursera’s subscription model, meaning you can enroll with:
- ✔ A 7-day free trial
- ✔ A Coursera Plus subscription (typically around $39/month)
Since the course is part of the Blockchain Revolution Specialization, learners may benefit from completing the full program for a comprehensive blockchain education.
💡 Is it worth the price?
If you’re serious about understanding blockchain as a business tool, this course is a solid investment in your knowledge.
📊 How Does It Compare to Other Blockchain Courses?
If you’re considering blockchain courses, here’s how this one stacks up against competitors:
| Course Name | Rating | Focus | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Blockchain (INSEAD – Coursera) | ⭐ 4.7/5 | Business & finance aspects of blockchain | Entrepreneurs, beginners, business leaders |
| Blockchain Specialization (University at Buffalo – Coursera) | ⭐ 4.6/5 | Technical & coding skills in blockchain | Developers, technical learners |
| Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Explained (University of Michigan – Coursera) | ⭐ 4.6/5 | Crypto & decentralized systems | Crypto investors, finance professionals |
| Web3 & Blockchain Fundamentals (INSEAD – Coursera) | ⭐ 4.5/5 | Modern blockchain evolution/Web3 | Blockchain enthusiasts, technology students |
💡 Best Alternative: If you’re looking for blockchain programming, Blockchain Specialization by University at Buffalo might be a better fit.
✅ Final Verdict: Should You Take This Course?
⭐ Our Rating: 9/10
🚀 “Introduction to Blockchain” by INSEAD is a high-quality introductory course perfect for:
- ✔ Business professionals curious about blockchain
- ✔ Individuals who want a non-technical, practical overview
- ✔ Those interested in exploring DeFi, cryptocurrencies, and CBDCs
However, if you’re looking for technical programming skills, this course lacks hands-on coding—you may need to pair it with a blockchain development course.
📌 FAQs
1. Do I need coding experience for this blockchain course?
No. This course focuses on business applications of blockchain, making it beginner-friendly.
2. Can I get a certificate?
Yes! Upon completion, you receive a Coursera certificate (which can be shared on LinkedIn).
3. How long does it take to complete?
The course is structured over 4 weeks, with about 2 hours of study per week.