The Web3 industry is shifting from speculation to practical stage

The recently held TOKEN2049 Dubai conference showcased important development trends in the crypto industry, reflecting the industry's gradual shift from speculation to practical applications.

Main Trends

1. Stablecoins have become a core infrastructure. Stablecoins have shown clear market adaptability and are becoming a key component of the digital economy.

2. The enthusiasm for AI exceeds the actual progress. Although AI is a key topic at the conference, industry insiders point out that there is a gap between the industry's enthusiasm and the progress in implementation.

3. The industry is entering a mature stage. The cryptocurrency industry is transitioning from a speculative early stage to a phase focused on infrastructure development and real use cases. The market places greater importance on validated applications rather than conceptual innovations.

Conference Highlights

The conference covered a wide range of blockchain topics, reflecting the shifts in industry focus.

• The topic related to infrastructure accounts for the highest proportion (15.7%), followed by AI (11%).
• The combined ratio of stablecoins ( 8.7% ) and real-world assets ( RWA, 5.5% ) exceeds that of AI, indicating a rising market interest in practical blockchain applications.
• DeFi discussions have become more mature, focusing on how to complement traditional finance.
• The Solana ecosystem is receiving more attention, which may signal a shift in the Layer 1 blockchain landscape.

Overall, the conference showcased a more pragmatic way of thinking, with core discussions centered around long-term growth drivers such as regulation, financial integration, and infrastructure development.

Deep Changes

1. Stablecoins have become infrastructure. Stablecoins are seen as a key opportunity in the Web3 space, expected to form a large market. The industry's focus has shifted from simple integration to control over the payments layer.

2. AI is still in the experimental stage in the encryption field. Despite concerns, there is long-term confidence in the potential role of Web3 in the AI market.

3. Node sales have sparked controversy. Some projects have attracted significant capital by opening up node operations to a broader audience, but their long-term viability remains uncertain.

4. Technology is no longer the only bargaining chip. Relying solely on technological innovation is no longer sufficient to attract market interest; execution capability and market strategies have become more important.

Important Announcement

• Tether plans to launch a new USD stablecoin that complies with U.S. regulations.
• OKX launched the OKX Pay cryptocurrency payment application and announced multiple institutional collaborations.
• Zodia Custody enters the UAE market to strengthen regulatory cooperation.
• Mesh showcases the new integration feature with Apple Pay, simplifying cryptocurrency payments in the retail environment.
• World Liberty Financial and TRON complete $2 billion stablecoin investment.
• MEXC Ventures launched a $300 million ecosystem development fund.
• Lightspark launched the Spark protocol based on the Bitcoin Lightning Network.

Industry Transformation

This conference reflects the shift in the cryptocurrency industry from speculative enthusiasm to practical application and infrastructure development. Three main directions:

1. Stablecoins have become the infrastructure of the digital economy.
2. The enthusiasm for AI is rising, but market sentiment is becoming cautious.
3. Dubai solidifies its position as a Web3 regulatory and capital hub.

The industry is entering a new phase that relies on infrastructure construction, system integration, and delivery capabilities. The market values practical applications and clear value propositions more than conceptual innovations, marking a shift toward a more mature stage of development for the Web3 ecosystem.