NFTs Are Evolving, Not Dead: RARI Foundation’s Jana Bertram Discusses the Future on the Hashing It Out Podcast

NFTs Are Evolving, Not Dead: RARI Foundation’s Jana Bertram Discusses the Future on the Hashing It Out Podcast

While the NFT market has experienced a slowdown in trading volumes, Jana Bertram, Head of Strategy at RARI Foundation, remains optimistic about the future of non-fungible tokens (NFTs). In the latest episode of the Hashing It Out podcast, Bertram shared her analysis on the evolving nature of NFTs, stressing that despite the decline in hype, their potential and use cases continue to grow.


The Evolution of NFTs: Beyond the Hype Cycle

In episode 65 of Hashing It Out, Bertram addressed the boom-and-bust cycle of the NFT market. While acknowledging the peak of the NFT bull market, which brought widespread attention to digital collectibles, she emphasized that NFTs have not disappeared—they are simply undergoing an evolution.


"The NFT bull cycle already happened," Bertram explained, reflecting on the intense surge of interest in digital art and collectibles. "The hype has died down, but NFTs are still incredibly significant for creators, and there are numerous innovative applications, like real-world asset tokenization, that are yet to be fully realized."


Bertram’s insight suggests that the next phase of NFTs will likely emerge in a more practical, less speculative form. Although public interest may have cooled, the underlying technology remains strong, with vast potential for future development.


Addressing Creator Royalties and Market Challenges

One of the ongoing challenges in the NFT space, according to Bertram, is the ongoing debate around royalties. Over the past few years, several NFT marketplaces have made royalties optional, undermining the earnings potential for creators.


This shift has forced the industry to reassess how to strike a balance between protecting creators’ rights and adapting to the dynamics of the marketplace. Bertram pointed out that while this issue remains unresolved, it is one of the key factors that will shape the future of the NFT ecosystem.


Overcoming Barriers: Scalability and Affordability

Bertram also highlighted the significant strides being made in blockchain infrastructure, which are addressing two critical concerns in the NFT space: scalability and affordability. The advancements in blockchain technology have made NFT transactions more cost-effective, tackling one of the major barriers to mainstream adoption.


As these technical challenges are overcome, Bertram sees a brighter future for NFTs, one where the technology is accessible to a broader range of users, including those who may have been previously deterred by high costs or scalability issues.


NFTs Beyond Art: Expanding Use Cases

Looking ahead, Bertram envisions NFTs expanding far beyond digital art and collectibles. She believes that NFTs will play a larger role in practical, everyday applications, such as identity verification, ownership records, and even healthcare documentation. These real-world applications have the potential to revolutionize industries by providing secure, verifiable records that are easily transferable on blockchain networks.


However, Bertram acknowledged that public perception remains a significant hurdle for NFTs. The term "NFT" is often associated with speculative trading and financial losses, which has contributed to skepticism surrounding the technology. Despite this, she believes the technology’s potential is undeniable and that in the years to come, NFTs will become more mainstream as their use cases evolve and expand.


Looking Toward the Future of NFTs

As the NFT space continues to mature, Bertram’s insights provide a hopeful perspective on its future. While the market may have cooled, the evolution of NFTs promises a shift from speculative trends to more sustainable, practical applications. The technology’s potential is vast, from enhancing creator economies to enabling real-world asset tokenization and beyond. With ongoing advancements in blockchain infrastructure and growing interest in new use cases, NFTs are poised to play an integral role in the next generation of digital innovation.

Disclaimer: The content on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. We do not endorse any project or product. Readers should conduct their own research and assume full responsibility for their decisions. We are not liable for any loss or damage arising from reliance on the information provided. Crypto investments carry risks.