Recent data highlights a significant shift in the global cryptocurrency and blockchain landscape, with Asia emerging as the new leader in development talent, surpassing North America. This trend reflects broader changes in the sector’s geographical dynamics and has implications for the future of technology and market growth.
In 2024, Asia’s proportion of the global cryptocurrency developer pool reached 32%, a substantial increase from just 13% in 2015. This growth positions Asia at the forefront of blockchain innovation, drawing on a burgeoning pool of skilled developers.
Decline in North America’s Dominance
Conversely, North America’s share of cryptocurrency developers has seen a significant decline, dropping to 24% in 2024 from 44% in 2015. Maria Shen, a general partner at Electric Capital, emphasized this shift in a recent X post, stating, “Asia is now #1 for crypto devs. The US is losing market share. Crypto impacts every state in the US – crypto should be non-partisan.”
The distribution of cryptocurrency developers worldwide indicates which regions are likely to drive future innovations in blockchain technology. Although 81% of blockchain developers now reside outside the United States, the US still hosts the highest number of developers globally, with 18.8% of all crypto developers based there, followed by India with 11.8%, and the United Kingdom with 4.2%.
US Market Trends
Despite the industry’s overall growth, the US has experienced a more than 51% drop in its share of developers since 2015. Within the US, 22.3% of developers are based in California, with 13.7% in New York. However, the majority, 64%, are located outside these tech hubs.
The findings are based on an analysis of over 200 million crypto-related GitHub commits across 350,000 repositories. The geographical data was sourced from more than 110,000 developer wallets with self-reported locations, providing a comprehensive overview of the global distribution of blockchain talent.
The rise in developer numbers in Asia correlates with increased institutional interest in the region. For instance, in South Korea, the number of crypto investors grew by 21% in the first half of 2024 alone. This surge in activity has boosted the operational profits of the top 21 local centralized exchanges (CEXs) to $4.2 billion, a 106% increase from the previous year.
| Region | 2023 Developer Share | 2015 Developer Share | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asia | 32% | 13% | +19% |
| North America | 24% | 44% | -20% |
| United States | 18.8% | Over 40% | More than -21.2% |
| India | 11.8% | Data Not Available | Significant Rise |
| United Kingdom | 4.2% | Data Not Available | Noticeable Rise |
The shifting center of gravity in cryptocurrency development from the US to Asia not only highlights the dynamic nature of the tech industry but also signals the increasing importance of fostering a competitive and supportive environment for innovation in the US. With Asia’s rise, it is crucial for North American policymakers and business leaders to reconsider strategies for retaining and attracting tech talent.
The Global Ripple Effect of Regional Growth
Asia’s ascendancy in the cryptocurrency development sphere is a testament to the decentralized nature of technological advancement. This shift is not just about geographical changes but represents a broader, global ripple effect where innovation does not remain confined to traditional powerhouses like the US. As technology democratizes, it’s imperative for all regions to nurture and harness the potential of their local talents to stay relevant and competitive in the global market. This trend underlines the need for a global perspective in tech policies and investments, ensuring that benefits and opportunities are more evenly distributed across the world.
