Schedule
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For the schedule of previous conferences, visit DAWO25 and DAWO24
Day 1, Monday July 6th: Academic presentations
| Time | Agenda Item | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 09:00 – 09:30 | Arrival & Registration | Foyer |
| 09:30 – 09:45 | Opening Ceremony | Room O1.01 |
| 09:45 – 10:30 | Holding Otherwise — DAOs, the Corporate Form, and the Value That Sustains Life Keynote by Prof. Dr. Andrea Leiter University of Amsterdam | Room O1.01 |
| Change Rooms | ||
| 10:45 – 12:15 | Paper & Abstract Sessions Track Organizational Theory (Chair: Prof. Ying-Ying Hsieh, Imperial College London) Abstract Tokenizing Centralized Organizations Patrick Tinguely1 and Alex Murray2 1 ETH Zurich, Switzerland 2 University of Oregon, USA Paper Structuring DAOs: A Holacracy-Inspired Framework for Adaptive and Accountable Day-to-Day Operational Structure Emanuele Zanichelli1, Jeremy Bolander2, Anthony Daccache3, and Miguel Saldana4 1 Xerberus DAO LLC, Italy 2 Xerberus DAO LLC, USA 3 Xerberus DAO LLC, UK 4 The Token Lab, USA Abstract From Constitutional Design to Constitutional Operation: Operationalising Blockchain Constitutionalism through Cardano Nur Husna Zakaria1 and Sherin Kunhibava1 1 Universiti Malaya, Malaysia Abstract Formal and Informal Organization in Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs) Florian Spychiger1, Michael Lustenberger1, Lukas Küng1,2, and Ying-Ying Hsieh3 1 ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Switzerland 2 University of Nicosia, Cyprus 3 Imperial College London, UK Track Governance Analysis (Chair: Dr. Una Wang, ETH Zurich) Abstract Biases in Decentralized Decision Making Stefano Balietti1 Pietro Saggese2, and Markus Strohmaier3 1 Private sector, Italy 2 IMT School For Advanced Studies Lucca, Italy 3 University of Mannheim, Germany Abstract Hybrid Governance and Progressive Decentralization: The Meta Pool DAO Case Study as a Response to Voter Apathy and Operational Efficiency Luz Margarita Saucedo Monarque1 1 Independent Contributor, Mexico Paper Decision Debt: A Framework for Reasoning About Avoidable Information Loss in Collective Decision Procedures for DAO Governance Deyan Paroushev1 1 Sofia University St Kliment Ohridski, Bulgaria Abstract Decentralized Governance in Practice: Structural Dependency and Institutional Influence in Web3 Protocol Ecosystems Kelechukwu Nwachukwu1 1 Independent Contributor, Canada Track Use Case (Chair: Lukas Küng, ZHAW University of Applied Sciences) Paper The Entangled Wet Medium: Digital Ritual and Limits of Ocean-Focused Art DAOs Huiyi Xue1 1 City University of Hong Kong, China Paper Beyond Digital Governance: Empirical Governance Challenges of Physical DAOs in the Built Environment Julia Barashkov1, Marijn Janssen1, and Zenlin Kwee1 1 Delft University of Technology, Netherlands Paper Re-Architecting Higher Education for University 5.0: A Comprehensive DAO-Based Framework for Decentralized Governance, Verifiable Credentials, Tokenomics, and AI-Native Learning Ecosystems Hossein Mombeini1 and Iman Attarzadeh1 1 Islamic Azad University, Iran | Track Organizational Theory: Room O1.01 Track Governance Analysis: Room O2.01 Track Use Case: Room O1.29 |
| 12:15 – 13:30 | Lunch Break | Grüner Saal ST Building Theaterstrasse 17, 8400 Winterthur |
| 13:30 – 15:00 | Paper & Abstract Sessions Track Governance Design (Chair: Prof. Jason Potts, Alfaisal University) Paper Cardinal Preference Aggregation with Multi-Layer Veto Mechanisms for DAO Governance: A Machine-Verified Approach Jaganmohan Kataru1 1 Prahari.ai, India Paper Democratic Treasury Governance Without Plutocracy: Proof-of-Personhood Voting for DAO Resource Allocation Alain Brenzikofer1 and Malik El-Bay1 1 Encointer Association, Switzerland Abstract The Risk Commons: Collective Red Teaming for Decentralized Risk Management Min-Si Wang1 1 Ecomonitor, Luxembourg Track Legal Innovation (Chair: Gustav Hemmelmayr, Parity Technologies) Paper DAOs as Living Legal Systems: From Bio-Inspired Metaphor to Operational Governance Architecture Ramona Tudorancea1, Anna Muheim2, Ralph Muheim2, and Ben Koppelman3 1 Ixian Group, JupiterBlock Ventures, DAO345 Foundation, Cayman Islands 2 ShoreLabs SEZC, Cayman Islands 3 Kopps Limited, UK Abstract Compliance-by-Design Participation Infrastructure: A Layered Architecture for Consent-Aware Civic Feedback in Regulated Environments Viktoria Roy1 1 Zigurat Institute of Technology, Ireland Abstract How could digital systems facilitate rights of nature and land self-ownership? Ben Koppelman1 1 Kopps Limited, UK Track AI (Chair: Dr. Michael Lustenberger, ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences) Paper The Logic of AI-Karma: Systems Engineering Perspectives on Autonomous DAO Ethics Kolja Sahm1 1 University of Nicosia, Cyprus Abstract Bounding Algorithmic Influence in AI-Assisted Democratic Decision Making Eyal Briman1, Nimrod Talmon1, and Anaëlle Wilczynski2 1 Ben-Gurion University, Israel 2 Paris-Saclay University, France Abstract Decentralized Autonomous Organizations as Governance Backbones for AI Remuneration: Tokenized Attribution, Provenance, and Licensing in Training Data Ecosystems Frank Tietze1, Jan-Gero Alexander Hannemann1, and Damiano Di Francesco Maesa2 1 University of Cambridge, UK 2 University of Pisa, Italy | Track Governance Design: Room O1.01 Track Legal Innovation: Room O2.01 Track AI: Room O1.29 |
| 15:00 – 15:30 | Break | Foyer |
| 15:30 – 16:30 | Paper & Abstract Sessions Track DeFi (Chair: Prof. Fabian Schär, University of Basel) Paper AI-Powered Oracles as Constitutive Infrastructure for Investment Activity in DAOs: The AI Act and Sectoral Financial Market Regulation Aneta Napieralska1 and Przemysław Kępczyński2 1 Independent Researcher, Poland 2 Institute of Law Studies of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Poland Abstract Voters’ Preferences and the Willingness to Pay for Voting Rights: New Evidence from Decentralized Finance Romain Rossello1, Stefano Balietti2, Stefan Kitzler3 and Pietro Saggese4 1 HEC Paris, France 2 Private Sector, Italy 3 Complexity Science Hub Vienna, Austria 4 IMT School For Advanced Studies Lucca, Italy Track Community (Chair: Malik El-Bay, Dezentrum) Paper Seeking Money or Meaning? Exploring Sustained Contributions to Decentralized Governance on Digital Platforms Jonas Riefle1 and Thomas Widjaja1 1 Universität Passau, Germany Abstract A Value-Based Delegation Framework For Inclusive Community Representation Jan Droll1, Aryan Kaushik1, and Johnnatan Messias2 1 Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Germany 2 Max Planck Institute for Software Systems, Germany Track Democracy (Chair: Dr. Jens Martignoni, ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences) Paper Can Consultation Be a DAO? Co-Creation and Conflict Restructuring in Swiss E-ID Reforms Sandro Lüscher1, Andrin Walla1, and Uwe Serdült1,2 1 University of Zurich, Switzerland 2 Ritsumeikan University, Japan Abstract Organizational Democracy in DAOs: A Theoretical Framework for Systematic Assessment Michael Lustenberger1, Lukas Küng1,2, and Florian Spychiger1 1 ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Switzerland 2 University of Nicosia, Cyprus | Track DeFi: Room O1.01 Track Community: Room O2.01 Track Democracy: Room O1.29 |
| 16:30 – 17:00 | Break | Foyer |
| 17:00 – 18:00 | Paper & Abstract Sessions Track Privacy (Chair: Dr. Florian Spychiger, ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences) Abstract A Preliminary Study of Zero-Knowledge–Based Governance Mechanisms for DAOs Antonia Damvakeraki1 and Dimitrios G. Kogias2 1 University of Nicosia, Cyprus 2 University of West Attica, Greece Abstract DAVINCI: A Privacy-Preserving and Verifiable Voting Protocol for Decentralized Governance Jordi Pinyana1, Pau Escrich2, Lucas Menéndez2, and Marta Bellés Muñoz3 1 Vocdoni Association, Portugal 2 Vocdoni Association, Spain 3 Pompeu Fabra University, Spain Abstract Optimal Identity: A Zero-Knowledge Architecture for Sybil-Resistant and Non-Plutocratic DAO Governance Costin Oarda1 1 Optimal DAO, Switzerland Track Legal Analysis (Chair: Jamilya Kamalova, Sky) Abstract An Assessment of the Legal Nature of Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs) under Turkish Law Elif Yüksek Sümer1 1 Istanbul University, Turkey Paper Decentralization. The search for a legal definition Salvatore Furnari1 1 University of Rome Tor Vergata, Italy Track Networks (Chair: Prof. Ellie Rennie, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology) Paper Toward a Defensive Social Layer for Ethereum: Legitimacy, Reputation, and Capital Allocation Through a Network of Third Places Isla Munro-Hochmayr1 and Victoria Citterio-Soelle1 1 Zuitzerland Association, Switzerland Abstract Network Polis Down-to-Earth: Re-embedding the Digital Nomadic DAO through Rural Reconstruction in China Helena Rong1 1 NYU Shanghai, China | Track Privacy: Room O1.01 Track Legal Analysis: Room O2.01 Track Networks: Room O1.29 |
| Change Rooms | ||
| 18:15 – 19:00 | Democratic Voting in DAOs Keynote by Prof. Dr. Bryan Ford Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL) | Room O1.01 |
| 19:00 | Standing Dinner | Foyer |
Day 2, Tuesday July 7th: Practice workshops
| Time | Agenda Item | Location | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 08:30 – 09:00 | Arrival & Welcome Coffee | Foyer | |
| 09:00 – 09:15 | Introduction & Welcome | Room O1.01 | |
| 09:15 – 10:00 | After the Frontier: DAOs and the Political Economy of New Money Keynote by Dr. Quinn DuPont Building Insights Together (BIT) | Room O1.01 | |
| 10:00 – 12:00 | Parallel Workshop Sessions Workshop I: How Might AI Reshape Governance Moderator: Dr. Olivier Rikken (Delft University of Technology) Facilitator: Jamilya Kamalova (Sky) Workshop II: The Future of the Firm and Trends in Organizational Governance Moderators: Prof. Ying-Ying Hsieh (Imperial College London), Rafael Fernandez (ZKsync Association) Facilitator: Theo Beutel (Ethereum Foundation) | Workshop I: Room O1.01 Workshop II: Room O2.02 | |
| 12:00 – 13:00 | Lunch Break | Grüner Saal ST Building Theaterstrasse 17, 8400 Winterthur | |
| 13:00 – 15:00 | Parallel Workshop Sessions Workshop III: Future of DPI/OSS in a World of Network Nations Moderators: Felix Beer (Harvard Kennedy School & TU Munich), Prof. Helena Rong (NYU Shanghai) Facilitator: Theo Beutel (Ethereum Foundation) Workshop IV: The Future of DAOs Moderators: Martin Schmidt (Q Development AG), Prof. Jeff Strnad (Stanford University) Facilitator: Eliza Oak (Base) | Workshop III: Room O1.01 Workshop IV: Room O2.01 | |
| Change Rooms | |||
| 15:15 – 16:00 | Workshop Wrap-up & Closing Remarks | Room O1.01 |
Workshops
Workshop I: How Might AI Reshape Governance
Moderator: Dr. Olivier Rikken (Delft University of Technology)
Facilitator: Jamilya Kamalova (Sky)
Agentic Governance or Governance of Agents – In this workshop we will explore the possibilities of AI in the governance of DAOs. Based on jointly diving into different AI Governance integration possibilities, we will look into the pro’s and con’s of each scenario. Later we will dive into the wrinkle effects internally and externally, or, who to govern AI that governs your DAO and Governance of (full) AI drive DAOs in broader (agentic) ecosystems.
Workshop II: The Future of the Firm and Trends in Organizational Governance
Moderators: Prof. Ying-Ying Hsieh (Imperial College London), Rafael Fernandez (ZKsync Association)
Facilitator: Theo Beutel (Ethereum Foundation)
Starting from how centralized organizations structure work today, this workshop asks which mechanism design innovations from the DAO, blockchain, and ZK space are strategically relevant to traditional firms. An open question is whether and how real decentralization can be sustained, such as through randomized allocation or designs that decentralize over time, and where censorship resistance and credible neutrality justify it beyond efficiency or profit. The first part of the workshop discusses real-world DAO integrations into firms and the associated tensions. The second part continues the decentralization theme, discussing how open source and verifiable infrastructure can function as a substrate of organizational control as firms experiment with autonomous agents, whether smart-contract automation or AI-backed agents. Sessions run as informal, peer-level discussions, with most time reserved for the room.
Workshop III: Future of DPI/OSS in a World of Network Nations
Moderators: Felix Beer (Harvard Kennedy School & TU Munich), Prof. Helena Rong (NYU Shanghai)
Facilitator: Theo Beutel (Ethereum Foundation)
This workshop asks how Digital Public Infrastructure and Open Source Software get used, funded and sustained as societies begin to organize beyond national boundaries. Network nations imagine more interconnected polities not defined purely by the state; we examine what this implies for the institutions democracies rely on, and for the protocols increasingly treated as tools of institutional design. We take up the relationship between collective digital sovereignty and individual self-sovereignty, and the open question of who funds and shapes public infrastructure across governments, multilaterals, and platforms. We pay particular attention to less-resourced settings and to keeping implementations accountable to the citizens they serve. Sessions run as informal, peer-level discussion with brief inputs and most time reserved for the room.
Workshop IV: The Future of DAOs
Moderators: Martin Schmidt (Q Development AG), Prof. Jeff Strnad (Stanford University)
Facilitator: Eliza Oak (Base)
DAOs promised distributed control and have often concentrated it anyway (e.g., through low participation, agenda power, and informal coalitions). This workshop asks what we’ve learned from that gap and what it would take for distributed control to actually hold. We’ll work through the leading design responses (contestable control, governance contracts, dynamic vetoes, futarchy, governance minimization & optimistic governance, AI-supported governance, staked delegation) and trace what they imply beyond crypto, such as for corporate governance and for the governance of AI, where the question of who actually controls a powerful system is now being decided.