Protocol Governance

Definition ∞ Protocol governance refers to the decentralized decision-making processes that guide the evolution and operation of a blockchain protocol. Participants, typically token holders, vote on proposed changes to the protocol’s rules, parameters, or future development. This mechanism ensures that the network’s direction aligns with the interests of its community.
Context ∞ Current discussions surrounding protocol governance are heavily focused on enhancing voter participation and preventing the concentration of voting power. Debates often address the efficiency of on-chain voting versus off-chain signaling mechanisms. A critical future development to watch is the refinement of governance frameworks to ensure greater decentralization and responsiveness to community needs.