- Cardano is on the verge of achieving its most significant milestone yet, as it prepares to transition to a fully decentralized network with advanced governance through the upcoming Chang fork and version 9.0 upgrade.
- The Voltaire era will introduce community-driven governance, marking the culmination of Cardano’s developmental stages and offering ADA token holders a voice in blockchain proposals and management.
Entering the Age of Voltaire: A New Era for Blockchain Governance
Open-source blockchain platform Cardano is on the cusp of a monumental achievement: transforming into a fully decentralized network with an advanced governance system. This milestone marks a pivotal moment in Cardano’s evolution, driven by its upcoming version 9.0 upgrade.
According to Charles Hoskinson, founder of Cardano, the network is set to undergo a transformative upgrade, known as the Chang fork. This upgrade, named in honor of Phil Chang, a pivotal figure in Cardano’s governance, will integrate CIP-1694’s on-chain governance capabilities into the mainnet. The result will be a blockchain poised for the next phase of its development: the Age of Voltaire.
Hoskinson has emphasized the importance of this transition, highlighting that Cardano will soon be fully decentralized with a robust governance structure. This includes the implementation of annual budgets, a treasury, and active participation from the community. These developments are poised to turn Cardano into what Hoskinson describes as a “decentralized civilization” with a global community of millions.
Reflecting on the journey so far, Hoskinson expressed pride in the Cardano community and the progress made over nearly a decade. “It’s been nearly ten years for some of us on this remarkable journey. I can’t believe that in a single decade, we built a nation,” he remarked. Looking forward, he added, “Cardano gives me hope for our industry and the world. Let’s spend the next decade making a big dent in the universe.”
The Age of Voltaire represents the final era in Cardano’s developmental stages, following the Byron, Shelley, Goguen, and Bashō eras. Each era has contributed to Cardano’s growth: Byron established Cardano as a proof-of-stake protocol; Shelley focused on decentralization, security, and robustness; Goguen introduced smart contracts; and Bashō has been about scaling and optimization.
Voltaire, named after the Enlightenment philosopher, will bring community-driven governance to Cardano, allowing ADA token holders to propose and vote on blockchain development initiatives. This democratic process will include the management of a treasury and annual budgets, marking a significant evolution in Cardano’s capabilities and community involvement.
As Cardano prepares for the Chang fork and the dawn of the Voltaire era, the blockchain industry watches closely. This transition not only represents a technical achievement but also underscores Cardano’s commitment to decentralization and community-driven growth. With its unique approach to governance and a dedicated global community, Cardano is set to leave a lasting impact on both the blockchain industry and the wider world.
The upcoming milestones for Cardano are not just technical upgrades but a testament to the power of community and decentralized governance. As Cardano continues to evolve, it is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of blockchain technology and its global adoption.
