DAO Research Trends: Reflections and Learnings from the First European DAO Workshop (DAWO)
Source abstract
Abstract
Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs) represent a transformative shift in organizational structures, combining decentralized governance with blockchain-based smart contracts. While DAOs present significant opportunities for innovation, they are confronted with several unresolved challenges, such as the centralization of power, the design of effective governance mechanisms, and the legal uncertainties surrounding their operation. Drawing on insights from recent studies and discussions presented in July 2024 at DAWO24, the first European DAO Workshop, this article explores these issues. The purpose of this article is to identify and analyze the critical research streams in DAO studies, particularly in governance mechanisms, technical frameworks, value assessment, and legal dimensions. A systematic approach, following the PRISMA methodology, was employed to analyze contributions from 14 extended abstracts and 11 full papers presented at DAWO24. The findings highlight the need for more equitable governance structures, secure and scalable technical frameworks, standardized tools for assessing DAOs’ value, and coherent legal frameworks to support decentralized operations. The article concludes by outlining future research directions, urging interdisciplinary collaboration to address current gaps and optimize DAO design, operation, and regulation.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline
Research context
OpenAlex topics: Scientific Computing and Data Management
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
Institute for Organizational Viability, School of Management & Law, ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences, 8401 Winterthur, Switzerland
Institute For The Future, School of Business, University of Nicosia, Nicosia 2417, Cyprus
Funding
ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences
References (54)
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