Vitalik Buterin, co-founder of Ethereum 
$3,143, introduced the concept of “Ethereum compatibility,” aiming to foster greater alignment among various sectors within the Ethereum ecosystem. This concept emphasizes the importance of value alignment, which includes not only technical and economic synchronization within the community but also the adoption of open-source principles and support for public goods.
Ensuring Ecosystem Integration
Buterin proposed this new framework to integrate decentralization and collaboration in the Ethereum ecosystem. The framework, named “Ethereum compatibility,” aims to unify various groups such as client teams, researchers, and developers toward a cohesive ecosystem.
He highlighted the significance of adopting open-source principles that ensure transparency and security. These principles are expected to contribute to the harmonious functioning of projects within the Ethereum community.
Technical and Economic Alignment
“Ethereum compatibility” also aims to support initiatives that contribute to public goods while minimizing decentralization. Furthermore, it seeks to promote the use of ETH as the primary token, thereby enhancing its benefits and network effects across the ecosystem.
To measure and promote alignment, Buterin suggested adopting specific metrics reflecting the core values of the ecosystem. These metrics include adherence to open-source practices as defined by the Free Software Foundation and the Open Source Initiative.
Additionally, it emphasizes commitment to positive-sum endeavors that benefit the Ethereum community as a whole. In this context, organizations like L2beat are deemed essential for tracking how well projects align with these criteria.
These “dashboard organizations” encourage projects to compete by monitoring their alignment with Ethereum’s core values. Buterin expects these organizations to operate independently from the Ethereum Foundation, ensuring their neutrality.
The “compatibility” concept applied within the Ethereum ecosystem aims to ensure the future of Ether grows robustly and unitedly, adhering to fundamental principles. This approach aspires to create a more consistent and sustainable structure, both technically and economically.
