Polkadot Preps MPs for Web3

Blockchain education for policymakers takes off in Crypto Valley

TLDR:

• Polkadot Blockchain Academy launches its first blockchain course for policymakers.

• The three-day course, "Blockchain Basics for Policymakers," runs April 6-8, 2025, in Zug, Switzerland.

• A delegation of UK MPs will attend to better understand crypto regulation and blockchain adoption.

• Leaders like Lisa Cameron and Chrissy Hill emphasize the course’s importance for informed policy-making.

In a groundbreaking move, the Polkadot Blockchain Academy is set to host the crypto industry’s first educational course specifically designed for policymakers. Titled "Blockchain Basics for Policymakers," this three-day event will take place from April 6 to April 8, 2025, in Zug, Switzerland—heart of Crypto Valley, renowned for its blockchain-friendly climate.

A diverse group of UK lawmakers from major political parties is scheduled to attend the inaugural session. Lisa Cameron, the founder of the UKUS Crypto Alliance and former MP, is leading the delegation. “Given the prominent role that blockchain technology is poised to play in the UK’s tech sector, it is essential that policymakers are equipped with the knowledge to make informed decisions,” Cameron explained in a recent announcement.

The course comes at a pivotal time. With the UK Treasury amending financial laws earlier this year to clarify that crypto staking is not a collective investment scheme, the regulatory landscape is evolving rapidly. The new amendments align with the Treasury’s commitment from November 2024 to unveil a draft cryptocurrency regulatory framework by early 2025.

“Polkadot Blockchain Academy’s inaugural course offers a valuable opportunity for MPs to gain firsthand insights into the real-world applications of Web3,” Cameron added, emphasizing the practical benefits of such education. The initiative is a crucial step toward bridging the knowledge gap that has long hindered effective regulation of blockchain technologies.

Chrissy Hill, Chief Legal Officer and interim COO at Parity Technologies, who will also attend the course, stressed the importance of this educational effort. “Policymakers play a crucial role in shaping the future of blockchain, yet have empirically lacked access to structured education on its technical and regulatory foundations. Polkadot Blockchain Academy is committed to bridging this gap, ensuring that decision-makers have the resources they need to craft practical policies that foster innovation while maintaining safeguards,” Hill stated.

This course marks the beginning of Polkadot’s global initiative to empower regulators worldwide with the insights necessary for a balanced approach to blockchain innovation. With further sessions planned in other key jurisdictions, the academy is setting the stage for a more informed and proactive regulatory environment in the rapidly evolving world of digital assets.

photo / Blockonome