Key Points
Buterin Advocates for Increased Blockchain Inclusion
Vitalik Buterin, co-founder of Ethereum, has urged the blockchain industry to be more involved in mainstream cryptography and cybersecurity events.
His call was made via a tweet that sparked significant debate within the crypto community.
Buterin’s suggestion came in response to a question about the events PrivacyScaling should attend in 2025.
He believes the first crucial step is active engagement with mainstream cryptography and cybersecurity conferences.
Such participation could foster connections with non-blockchain decentralization projects, such as social media platform Mastodon and database protocol Secure Scuttlebutt.
Breaking Out of the Crypto Bubble
Buterin’s proposition addresses a critical issue: the crypto industry’s tendency to isolate itself.
The crypto community often becomes insular by only attending blockchain-specific events, missing out on cross-industry learning opportunities.
Buterin tweeted that classifying common cryptography and decentralization initiatives as ‘non-crypto’ is a significant failure, largely due to the crypto industry’s actions.
He emphasized the urgent need for action in this regard.
Devansh Mehta, another X member, also suggested programs like the Ethereum Foundation Scholars Program to encourage non-crypto event participation.
Mehta expressed the need for the crypto world to move beyond insular discussions and establish connections with communities outside the blockchain.
This shift could not only provide the crypto industry with more insights but also help disseminate blockchain knowledge to technology skeptics in different fields.
Such relationships could lead to a unified strategy for addressing global issues such as data protection, digital sovereignty, and decentralization.
Challenges and Opportunities
However, moving out of the “crypto bubble” presents its own challenges.
Shaw, co-founder of ai16z, noted on a Delphi Digital podcast that combining decentralized funding and market intelligence could create the most sustainable source of transformative potential within the crypto space.
He stated that the main problem in crypto is that people often fail to deliver on their promises.
Shaw’s vision aligns with Buterin’s call for the crypto industry to innovate in collaboration with fields outside of crypto.
There are preconceived notions and misconceptions to overcome on both sides.
Mainstream technologists often view blockchain initiatives as too speculative or financially driven, while crypto enthusiasts may dismiss knowledge outside their area of interest.
Despite these challenges, the potential benefits far outweigh the downsides.