# DAO Research Trends: Reflections and Learnings from the First European DAO Workshop (DAWO)
## 6 Discussion and Future Directions  
Based on the papers and discussions presented at DAWO24 we could identify (i) Analyzing Governance Mechanisms, (ii) Developing Tools and Frameworks, (iii) Assessing the Value and (iv) Exploring Legal and Regulatory Dimensions as the four main trends in DAOresearch. As summarized in Figure 1 each trend has a unique research focus and comes with specific future research directions. By examining the research around the emerging trend of Analyzing Governance Mechanism we can identify work on more equitable and decentralized decision-making processes [25; 31; 32], the integration of innovative voting mechanisms [26; 29], and the exploration of how DAOs can enhance collaborative efforts in diverse areas, such as open-source development [27]. In addition, there is a growing focus on developing strategies to strengthen the integrity and transparency of DAOs [30; 33], ensuring that they remain true to their decentralized principles while effectively addressing challenges, such as concentration of power and security risks [25; 28]. In respect to future research directions, we can advocate that there is a growing need on exploring new mechanisms to prevent power concentration and enhance security. This involves developing advanced voting systems that ensure fairness and inclusivity, allowing all participants to have an equitable say in decision-making processes. Additionally, researchers should focus on identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities, such as bribery and coalition attacks, to safeguard the integrity of these decentralized systems. By addressing these critical areas, the goal is to create more robust and resilient DAOs that uphold their decentralized principles while effectively managing potential risks. The second current trend in the DAO research about Developing Tools and Frameworks emphasizes enhancing collaborative decision-making processes [34], automating key functions [35], and establishing standardized metrics to better evaluate DAO performance and autonomy [36; 38]. Additionally, there is a growing interest in integrating complexity  
Figure 1: Trends, focus and future directions in DAO research. science [37] and assessing the business value of DAOs to ensure they can effectively operate and scale in diverse real-world applications [39]. For the future direction, we recommend a concentrated effort on developing tools and frameworks that are capable of handling growth and increased complexity. This includes designing intuitive interfaces and processes to improve accessibility and usability for DAO members, ensuring that participation is straightforward and user-friendly. Additionally, researchers should investigate new tools and frameworks to further automate and streamline DAO functions, aiming to enhance efficiency and scalability. By addressing these areas, the objective is to create more robust and user-centric DAOs that can effectively manage their evolving needs and challenges. The research on Assessing the Value of DAO analyzed in this article highlights the transformative potential of DAOs across various sectors, from creative industries [43] to cyber-physical systems [44] and startups [46], while also underscoring the need for optimized governance frameworks, the integration of blockchain technology with existing systems, and the exploration of new economic models that align with decentralized principles [45, 47]. Future research is essential to address these challenges, focusing on the practical implementation of DAOs, their impact on industry dynamics, and the legal and regulatory implications of their widespread adoption. For further development of DAOs it will be crucial to create tailored designs that address the unique requirements of different industries. This involves ensuring that DAOs can integrate effectively with existing and complex organizational systems, facilitating seamless collaboration and functionality.