The Polkadot Blockchain Academy (PBA) announced the launch of the world’s first blockchain education program for political policymakers. “Blockchain Basics for Policymakers” is set to equip governmental officials and civil servants with a much deeper understanding of blockchain technology, ensuring well-informed decision-making on cryptocurrency and Web3 policies. The inaugural institutional pilot of the course will take place in Zug, Switzerland, which is often referred to as the ”Crypto Valley.” A delegation of UK Members of Parliament (MPs), led by Dr. Lisa Cameron, a prominent advocate for crypto policy and the Founder of the UKUS Crypto Alliance, is confirmed to attend the three-day intensive training. Bridging the Gap Between Policy and Blockchain Innovation The initiative comes at a time when governments worldwide seek to regulate and integrate blockchain technology into their economies. The UK, in particular, is positioning itself as a global hub for financial innovation. Prime Minister Keir Starmer also recently unveiled a £14 billion AI action plan that is aimed at expanding the country’s technology sector and creating over 13,000 new jobs. Dr. Cameron has been a vocal proponent of blockchain adoption within the UK’s legislative framework, having previously contributed to a Parliament-endorsed report on the UK’s development as a crypto hub in 2022. Speaking about the significance of the course, she stated, “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.” The course will cover fundamental blockchain concepts, regulatory considerations, and potential guardrails for AI-driven applications, ensuring policymakers understand how emerging technologies intersect with Web3. Additional delegations from other jurisdictions are expected to follow, marking this as a global initiative to educate lawmakers on blockchain’s potential. Industry Leaders Back the Initiative The first institutional pilot of the program will also be attended by Chrissy Hill, Chief Legal Officer and Interim Chief Operating Officer at Parity Technologies, the core development team behind Polkadot. She places a lot of emphasis on the critical role education plays in bridging the knowledge gap between policymakers and the blockchain industry, and 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.” She then added that “ 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.” Policymakers to Return with Strategic Insights Upon completion of the three-day course, the UK MPs and other policymakers in attendance will return to Westminster with a deeper understanding of blockchain’s applications across governance, finance, and enterprise sectors. This knowledge will be crucial as the UK and other nations navigate regulatory frameworks for digital assets, ensuring that policies foster innovation while maintaining consumer protection. Initiatives like Blockchain Basics for Policymakers are a major step toward bridging the gap between the crypto industry and the public sector. With governments increasingly recognizing the strategic importance of Web3, educational programs like these could play a huge role in shaping global blockchain policy for years to come. About Polkadot Blockchain Academy The Polkadot Blockchain Academy (PBA) is an education platform that is designed for learners of all backgrounds and experience levels. The Academy specializes in teaching the technical fundamentals of blockchain technology, with a strong emphasis on Polkadot’s architecture and development tools. Its alumni go on to work with blockchain projects, launch their own ventures, and become Polkadot Fellows. The Academy was founded by Dr. Gavin Wood, co-founder of Ethereum and creator of Polkadot.
