Let’s cut to the (crypto) chase. What comes to mind when you hear, “crypto research”? How to trade in digital currencies and earn money. You think while there’s nothing inherently wrong with this make-money mindset, it’s not for you. But crypto research is far more than token trading and speculation.
From blockchain protocols and decentralized finance (DeFi) to real-world asset (RWA) tokenization and decentralized science (DeSci), the crypto ecosystem is vast. For entrepreneurs and founders, crypto research needs may be unique.
Read on to discover the dos and don’ts when conducting your own crypto research.
What is crypto research?
For many crypto natives and newbies alike, crypto research is primarily focused on charting patterns, tokenomics, trading volumes, and related metrics. This data-driven approach is used to predict upward and downward price movements and react accordingly.
Yet, this sort of retail investor-focused research is only a small sliver of the blockchain research space. Crypto research also includes:
- Blockchain technology
- Economic models
- Regulatory compliance
- Cryptographic security
- Algorithm development
- Interoperability studies
- Interdisciplinary research
- Applied research
Crypto research is interdisciplinary by nature and includes fields as varied as economics, computer science, law, business, sociology, and more. Oftentimes, this research is on cutting-edge technology and developments.
So, how do you get quality Web3 research on nascent crypto projects and Web3 opportunities?
Problems with crypto research
Inaccurate data, biased research, missing information, and unavailable data are only a few of the issues with crypto research. Does credible, real-world research not exist? Or can you simply not find what you’re looking for?
Crypto news sites want to pump out content for clicks. In their 24/7 news cycle, accuracy is easily sacrificed. Crypto projects’ in-house research tends to be biased claiming to have the “fastest, cheapest, most secure, and most private…” offering on the market. And crypto influencers often turn out to be crypto shillers that promote questionable projects for a payday.
Of course, research problems are not limited to the Web3 world. There is a well-established global confidence crisis related to research cited by corporate media, governments, and even academia.
The replication crisis sent shockwaves through academia. Even in the hard sciences, replicable studies are 153 times less likely to be cited than unreplicable ones. This is because the faulty papers are more interesting and more likely to get shared on social media.
These shortcomings are also problems with crypto research. So, what are the answers?
Crypto research: how to conduct it
If you’re looking to build crypto solutions or incorporate Web3 solutions into your existing business you need to start by asking yourself the right questions. Potential questions you could ask yourself include:
- What are the pros and cons of a crypto payroll solution?
- How can I leverage decentralized social media in my business?
- Would it be beneficial to accept stablecoin payments?
- Where will Web3 evolve and innovate in 2025?
Once you know what questions you need answered, you’re ready to dive in. Just don’t go it alone. You have several options.
First, you have a variety of crypto news sites. These target primarily crypto investors. They also typically provide breaking news on new crypto regulations and blockchain breakthroughs. While not research focused, these sites may help you get an early-mover advantage for a new business opportunity.
Many people also get their news from crypto X/Twitter. One issue is making sure you follow trustworthy people who provide accurate information. Outside of the most well-known crypto OGs, this vetting task isn’t easy.
For number and metric-focused questions, you may want to look at blockchain explorers, blockchain analytics sites, centralized crypto exchanges, and other crypto price-focused platforms. Some of these platforms — along with crypto news sites — also have a research section. These resources vary significantly in their quality and accuracy.
Then, you have research-focused sites. These premium crypto research sites often require a subscription and keep much of their content behind a paywall.
For a list of trustworthy and informative sites and tools download Onchains Web3 Leader’s Quick Guide to Smarter Decisions .
“Onchain Foundation brings unmatched depth and clarity to institutional conversations around DeFi risk and policy. Their collaborative approach has been instrumental in shaping research and frameworks that our clients can trust. We’re proud to partner with Onchain in advancing responsible innovation across the digital asset ecosystem.”
– Robert M. Franklin III, Managing Partner, RFS Consulting
The importance of crypto research reports
When you want to dive deep into a subject, an article isn’t going to cut it. And with the rapid pace of change in Web3, a book may be outdated before it’s even released.
A quality research report strikes a good balance between timely data and comprehensiveness. The Onchain Research Team has produced some of the most well sourced, comprehensive, and data-driven blockchain research reports on the market. What makes this crypto research unique is that it examines actual use cases you can learn from. You can leverage the Web3 insights now for your own business, not at some undetermined time in the future.
You see, you’ve landed in the right place to start exploring crypto for your business, or business with crypto. There are close to 200 research articles in this Resource Hub.
Search by topic for reports and articles, or check out our dashboards for real-time data here. All articles and dashboards are free, reports are partially available to everyone and for Onchain Members in full.
Check our services page to find out about customized crypto research for businesses.
