Ethereum founder Vitalik Buterin has been nominated for the Nobel Prize in Economics by distinguished economist Tyler Cowen. During a podcast conversation with economist Alex Tabarrok, Cowen lauded Buterin’s innovations in the realm of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology with the development of Ethereum. Cowen highlighted Buterin’s ability to challenge traditional economic theory, which he felt warranted recognition through such an award.
Further praise came with Buterin’s successful transition of Ethereum from Proof of Work to Proof of Stake – a move Tabarrok likened to changing car tires while the car was still in motion. It’s a technological feat that has drawn widespread acknowledgment throughout the crypto space.
Cowen also admired Buterin’s philanthropy and his profound understanding of global economic subjects. In his opinion, Buterin stands out due to the lack of significant contributions to the cryptocurrency field by conventional economists. Cowen further pointed out that if the identity of the supposed deceased Bitcoin creator, Satoshi Nakamoto, were known, he too would have been a deserving winner of the Nobel Prize.
It’s worth noting that Buterin’s previous accolades include an honorary doctorate from the University of Basel, awarded to him in 2018 for his innovations in the blockchain field. The Nobel Prize in Economics will be announced on October 14.