Framing the Future of Web 3.0: #METAVERSE EDITION Goldman Sachs v/ Norbert Gehrke "In our view, the global Internet is in the middle to late innings of the innovation curve of Web 2.0 (the shift from desktop to mobile computing & from local to cloud storage) and the "leaders" of this wave of the Internet are now firmly established. In framing the next wave of computing (Web 3.0),we see the potential for dramatic shifts in industry structure (decentralized, more local/niche/targeted) that could impact current investor perceptions of platform moat/strength, industry input costs, possible headwinds to monetization driven by personalization and potential for shifting media & commerce trends. One element of Web 3.0 that has recently captured media & investor attention is the "Metaverse" – a term that has taken on many meanings but with common themes around virtual and immersive experiences, online communities and the creator economy. In the report, we examine how the gaming/media landscape has already shown some key elements as to how the Metaverse might evolve and how themes such as decentralized web activity & virtual experiences could become hallmarks of many of the next wave of computing in Web 3.0."

Nagpal studies creatures that demonstrate collective intelligence--a body of knowledge possessed by a group that it uses to solve problems. Army ants are a good example: Millions of them work together to complete tasks, such as building nests, without any leader in charge. The insects will even create bridges and ladders out of their own bodies to allow fellow ants to traverse gaps and rough terrain. Other organisms, from cells to flocks of birds to schools of fish also exhibit collective intelligence as they move in sync with one another.