Blockchain is described as one of the most significant technological breakthroughs of the twenty first century.
The market for blockchain is projected to grow to $67.4 billion by 2026, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) exceeding 66%. The value of the crypto market is now worth in excess of $2 trillion. These technologies are reshaping businesses across the globe, and the associated innovation is outpacing existing business models, ecosystems, policy and legislation.
Blockchain Ireland Week 2022, from 30 May, will explore the developing role of blockchain, crypto, and Web3 in Ireland and globally, examining their value, understanding their impact, and asking how Ireland can take full advantage. By 2030, blockchain is expected to be a foundational technology for 30% of customers globally, according to a Gartner report*. As the business world moves towards holding and trading more digital assets, Deloitte reports intent to adopt among more than three quarters (76%) of executives within the decade. Blockchain, crypto, and Web3 are predicted to become a critical enabling technology layer, not just for enterprise, but for organisations of all shapes and sizes, in sectors such as in finance, healthcare, retail, manufacturing, government, and beyond.
The EU’s European Blockchain Service Infrastructure is also expected to become the backbone for public and private cross-border services for companies and citizens alike. Similarly, China has developed its Blockchain-based Service Network (BSN), for state and commercial use.
Opening the free programme of events for Blockchain Ireland Week 2022 will be Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe, at the Alex Hotel, Dublin, on Monday 30 May from 09:00. Joining the Minister will be a range of speakers and panellists from public services, academia, enterprise, media, and the start-up community, such as Government CIO Barry Lowry, head of payments EMEA with Stripe, Sean Mullaney, and from the world of arts and media, music legend Mick Flannery, actor Peter Coonan, and artist Maser.
The programme will explore not just the current opportunities around blockchain, crypto, and Web3 but also look towards future developments. Panel themes include getting a job in crypto, building a talent pipeline, and developing legal and regulatory frameworks to enable Ireland to become a global hub for blockchain, crypto, and Web3.
Another hot topic for discussion is the buzz around non-fungible tokens (NFT), and their impact in areas such as the arts and high fashion.
The event week is a mix of a formal programme and curated events from around the country, as the whole blockchain and crypto technology community from across the island join in.
There will be an evening social featuring awards for the sector and an NFT competition with cash prizes for the best entries.
Blockchain Ireland Week is run by Blockchain Ireland, the industry innovation network that promotes the understanding and adoption of blockchain, crypto, and Web3 in Ireland. With more than 1,400 active members and 6,000 social media followers, the network caters to various communities through its working groups around enterprise, start-ups, developers, education, skills and innovation, and legal and regulatory topics.
For more information, see www.blockchainireland.ie. Follow on Twitter @Blockchain_IRL, or see LinkedIn.com/company/