Month: February 2025

Polkadot Blockchain Academy (PBA), the organization dedicated to advancing web3 knowledge, has announced the world’s first educational course for political figures. Blockchain Basics for Policymakers will provide governmental officials and civil servants with fundamental knowledge to help them enact informed crypto policies. The first institutional pilot of Blockchain Basics for Policymakers will be hosted by PBA in Zug, Switzerland. A delegation of UK MPs, led by Dr. Lisa Cameron, is confirmed to be attending the inaugural course. There, MPs spanning the UK’s main political parties will attend a three-day intensive course on the fundamentals of blockchain technology, with additional delegations planned from other jurisdictions as part of the larger global initiative. As Founder of the UKUS Crypto Alliance and Member of Parliament 2015-2024, Dr Cameron has extensive experience of drafting and tabling legislation concerning digital assets and blockchain technology. In 2022, Dr Cameron was involved with the creation of an influential report detailing the UK's development as a Crypto Hub, which was positively received in Parliament and endorsed by Government City Minister, Andrew Griffiths. Within the last month, the UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has signaled the government’s intent to embrace technology by announcing an AI action plan, with £14 billion and 13,250 jobs committed by tech firms across the UK. As Britain seeks to enhance its credentials as a center for tech innovation, it is an opportune time for advancing policy that will allow the blockchain industry to flourish. The delegation of British MPs attending the Blockchain Basics for Policymakers will gain valuable insights into key areas for consideration, ranging from regulation to the implementation of “guardrails” to provide quality controls for AI and autonomous agents, which intersect with web3 technology. The first institutional pilot of the policymaker course will also be attended by Chrissy Hill, CLO and interim COO at Parity Technologies. Polkadot Blockchain Academy is uniquely placed to provide high-level educational resources that will help elected officials, both in the UK and other countries, develop a better appreciation of blockchain’s technical applications and how it complements other evolving technologies such as AI. Dr. Lisa Cameron said: “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. Polkadot Blockchain Academy’s inaugural course offers a valuable opportunity for MPs to gain firsthand insights into the real-world applications of web3. I’m pleased to lead this delegation as we engage with experts and explore how blockchain can contribute to innovation and economic growth.” Chrissy Hill, CLO and interim COO at Parity Technologies, said: “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. This program represents a significant step toward greater understanding and collaboration between the blockchain industry and the public sector." Pauline Cohen Vorms, Co-Founder and CEO at Polkadot Blockchain Academy, added: “At Polkadot Blockchain Academy, we believe that education is the foundation of meaningful technological progress. In launching this first-of-its-kind program, we are equipping policymakers with the knowledge they need to engage with blockchain technology thoughtfully and effectively.” Upon completion of the three-day course, MPs will return to the corridors of Westminster better equipped with the knowledge to consider the potential that blockchain technology provides for governance, enterprises, and individuals across the world. About Polkadot Blockchain Academy The PBA is designed for learners of all backgrounds and experience levels. It enables developers to deepen their knowledge of Polkadot's architecture including its SDK. Alumni go on to land jobs with ecosystem projects, start their own ventures, and become Polkadot Fellows. Taught by the people behind Polkadot, including Dr Gavin Wood, PBA provides a strong foundation for mastering the fundamentals of blockchain technology. Web3 needs a new generation of luminaries, the PBA is on a mission to identify and cultivate this next generation. Learn more: https://polkadot.academy