How the Paris Blockchain Society is Defining the Future of Blockchain Technology

In the dynamic realm of blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies, Patrick, founder of the Paris Blockchain Society, shares valuable insights into his academic and professional journey, the establishment of the Society, and the challenges encountered. Additionally, he discusses the role of public education in blockchain adoption, sector regulation, and the organization's future plans.

Patrick's Academic and Professional Journey

Patrick has a solid background in political science, with a bachelor's and master's degree in the field. Initially, his passion for environmental politics led him to work in the public sector, where he was involved in environmental policies to combat climate change. However, he quickly found the bureaucratic environment unsatisfactory and felt the need to seek a more dynamic and innovative approach.

Motivated by an interest in social and environmental impact, Patrick became involved in social impact startups acceleration and developed a passion for entrepreneurship during his master's degree. He participated in startup accelerator programs, where he could closely observe the creation and growth of innovative businesses. It was during this time that he realized the transformative potential of startups.

It was during the lockdown that Patrick discovered the world of Web3 and digital assets. He delved deeply into the subject, dedicating himself to learning about the technology, its application, and its community, and quickly fell in love with this world. He organized virtual conferences, creating a network of contacts and a community around the technology. Upon completing his degree at Sciences Po, Patrick decided to combine his event organization skills and his passion for blockchain, thus founding the Paris Blockchain Society.

Establishment of the Paris Blockchain Society

The Paris Blockchain Society began with the aim of creating a space for young professionals interested in blockchain. Patrick's vision was clear: to create a dynamic community that promotes the exchange of knowledge and experiences between young graduates and professionals in the field. From the beginning, the association focused on organizing weekly conferences, quickly attracting the attention of more experienced professionals.

In the early days, one of the major challenges was gaining recognition and credibility in a competitive market. Patrick's approach was strategic: focused on young, newly graduated professionals, creating high-quality events, and establishing partnerships with universities and companies. This strategy allowed the Society to grow rapidly, becoming a reference in the sector.

Today, the organization has 80 senior members working in leading Web3 companies and financial institutions. The Paris Blockchain Society has organized nearly 80 conferences and hosted over 90 international speakers, such as Joseph Lubin, co-founder of Ethereum. These events have been crucial in consolidating the Society's position as a central meeting point for advanced discussions on blockchain and cryptocurrencies.

Education and Blockchain

Patrick believes that public education is crucial for blockchain adoption. He notes that the technology is complex and many people have a negative perception based on sensationalist headlines. Lack of proper understanding can lead to biases and hesitation in adopting new technologies. This is where education plays a vital role.

While there are educational initiatives in engineering and business schools in France, Patrick feels that public education is still insufficient, especially for individuals who are not senior executives. He highlights the need for greater inclusion of blockchain courses and certificates in academic curricula, particularly in business schools and universities, to prepare tomorrow's finance professionals for the rapidly growing role of blockchain in traditional finance.

The Paris Blockchain Society focuses on educating industry professionals, promoting debates, and exploring use cases with industry leaders. They organize masterclasses and workshops that address advanced topics, such as the use of blockchain technology in corporate finance, regulatory challenges, and innovations in DeFi. These events are designed to not only inform but also to encourage critical discussions about the future of the technology.

Regulation and the Future of the Sector

Regulation is a central topic in the world of cryptocurrencies. Patrick highlights that regulation in Europe, especially with MICA (Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation), has been an important step in bringing clarity and protecting consumers. This regulatory framework aims to create a safe and predictable environment for the operation of cryptocurrency companies, fostering trust in the market.

However, he points out the challenges that startups face due to the high costs and resources required to comply with regulations. Regulatory requirements can be burdensome, requiring significant financial and human resources that many startups cannot afford. He emphasizes that while regulation is essential for consumer protection, it must also be balanced to not stifle innovation.

Patrick predicts that European regulation will push blockchain technology to be mainly used by traditional actors in the financial industry, such as banks and financial institutions, to increase the efficiency of capital markets. He believes that the future of blockchain lies in integration with traditional financial systems, but also sees significant room for continued innovation in the DeFi sector, which still remains relatively unregulated in Europe.

Future Plans of the Paris Blockchain Society

With the organization's two-year anniversary approaching, Patrick mentions the intention to expand internationally. The Paris Blockchain Society has already established partnerships with the Portuguese Blockchain Alliance and is in discussions with other international associations, including the Nordic Blockchain Association.

Patrick believes that connecting with other global ecosystems can create more business opportunities and strengthen France's position as a leader in the blockchain sector. The vision for the future includes increased international collaboration, joint event organization, and the creation of initiatives that promote knowledge exchange and innovation between different countries.

Challenges and Significant Moments

Initially, one of the major challenges faced by the Paris Blockchain Society was gaining recognition in a market where nobody knew them. The association positioned itself by focusing on young, newly graduated professionals, frequently organizing conferences and events that quickly increased its visibility and influence. The arrival of more experienced professionals allowed the Society to evolve into a business-oriented professional network, integrating members from prestigious institutions such as the Banque de France, Blackrock, and Société Générale.

Perseverance and the quality of the events organized were fundamental in overcoming these initial challenges. The Paris Blockchain Society has managed to establish itself as an essential meeting point for in-depth discussions on blockchain, attracting a diverse and engaged audience.

Impact and Contributions

The Paris Blockchain Society stands out not only for the quantity of events organized but also for the quality of the discussions promoted. With a significant presence in the public debate on Web3 in France, the Society has been instrumental in deepening understanding of blockchain technology and its applications.

The organization has been a platform for enriching debates that go beyond common perceptions of Web3, incorporating diverse perspectives to move the industry forward. For example, discussions on the role of speculation in the DeFi market, or how blockchain technology can be used by CFOs and corporate treasurers, are approaches that help build a more comprehensive and critical view of the sector.

Building the Future

Patrick's journey and the growth of the Paris Blockchain Society illustrate the evolution and impact of blockchain on the industry and society. With a vision focused on executive business development, high-quality events and international expansion, the Paris Blockchain Society is well positioned to continue positively influencing the future of blockchain technology.

Patrick thanks all partners, especially the Portuguese Blockchain Alliance, and is excited about future joint initiatives. He sees great synergies between the French and Portuguese ecosystems and hopes that these collaborations will further drive sector development.

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