Research Grant Proposal: DAOs & Disputes Chapter and Book Editing

Community Grants / Initiatives
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Proposal Overview

As co-editor and contributing author of the forthcoming Oxford University Press book titled “Foundations of Decentralized Organizations: Blockchain and the Future of Corporate Law,” I am seeking support to advance my editorial and author contributions, specifically in developing a crucial chapter on DAOs and dispute resolution.

This pioneering book project explores the transformative impact of DAOs on corporate law and governance, offering cross-jurisdictional insights from leading scholars. This book is critical for academics, policymakers, industry leaders, and the public in general to understand and navigate the evolving landscape of DAOs.

The chapter on DAOs and dispute resolution will explore how DAOs navigate internal and external conflicts, with a focus on practical mechanisms such as blockchain-based arbitration and hybrid models. As a leader in the DeFi space and a pivotal player in the industry, Lido’s experience - particularly in the context of current legal challenges - provides a valuable case study that will significantly enhance the chapter’s relevance and impact.

Through this research grant, Lido will support the development of a key resource that deepens the understanding and effective implementation of DAOs, highlighting its commitment to advancing research and innovation in decentralized governance.

Proposed Research Plan:

Objective:
To develop and refine a comprehensive chapter on DAO dispute resolution that integrates real-world case studies and contributes to the broader discourse on decentralized governance.

Key Questions:

  • What types of disputes do DAOs encounter, both internally and externally, and how are these disputes effectively resolved?
  • What are the strengths and weaknesses of current dispute resolution methods in the context of DAOs?
  • What lessons can be learned from case studies, and how can these insights inform and improve dispute resolution strategies for DAOs?

Project Phases & Methods:

  1. Research and Writing: Conduct research on internal and external DAO disputes, existing dispute resolution mechanisms applicable to and used by DAOs (e.g., blockchain-based arbitration, traditional arbitration, litigation, hybrid models), including interviews, the collection of case studies and analysis of relevant legal frameworks. Development of the chapter.
  2. Review: Refine the chapter and ensure thematic coherence across the book.
  3. Finalization: Completion of the chapter for inclusion in the final manuscript, followed by ongoing editorial responsibilities.

Deliverables:

  • A detailed chapter on DAO dispute resolution, incorporating case studies and legal analysis.
  • Contributions to the overall review and editing of the book, ensuring consistency and quality across all chapters.

Timeline:
3 months of focused work on the chapter estimated, with ongoing editorial duties extending into the book’s publication process in 2025, and the official book launch date to be announced.

Grant Amount Requested from LEGO:
20,000 USD in USDC

ETH Address: 0xA39d5129d528125e9dCBD8b6075d88a2d04984fb

3 Likes
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Hey @bianca, thank you for this proposal!

As a member of LEGO council I think this could be useful research as DAOs are in need of deeper exploration by the broader community and such resources could be of great value.

Just two quick questions:

  1. Are grant in DAI token is ok, too?
  2. Usually LEGO tends to split grants disbursement, would 50% upfront and 50% upon publication also do?
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Hi @Alex_L, thank you very much for your positive feedback! Happy to answer your questions.

  1. While receiving the grant in DAI would be ok, USDC would be preferable as it would facilitate managing conversions, making the funds more readily available.

  2. The significant upfront costs for research, writing, and ongoing editorial work mean that a split could strain the project, whereas upfront funding would ensure smooth progress and the researcher’s objectivity. Since the book will be published with OUP, the leading academic publishing house (https://global.oup.com/academic/aboutus), maintaining the highest quality and standards in both content and style is very important. To ensure the project proceeds smoothly and meets these high standards, upfront disbursement by LEGO would be greatly appreciated, especially given the approx. year-long timeline until the book’s launch, which requires sustained commitment throughout.