In this week's episode of Untangling Web3, we are joined by Keir Finlow-Bates, a prominent blockchain researcher and author. Today, we delve into the complexities and potential of smart contracts, exploring their implications for the future of blockchain technology. Key Highlights: Foundations of Smart Contracts: Keir provides a comprehensive overview of what smart contracts are and how they differ from traditional contracts, emphasizing their role in automating transactions on the blockchain.Technical Mechanisms: The discussion covers how smart contracts operate within blockchain ecosystems, particularly focusing on their execution and the conditions under which they operate.Practical Applications and Limitations: Keir discusses real-world applications of smart contracts, including their use in various industries, and addresses common misconceptions and limitations, providing a balanced view of their capabilities.In this episode, Keir underscores the importance of understanding both the technological underpinnings and the broader implications of smart contracts. He advocates for ongoing education and critical examination as essential for harnessing the full potential of this technology, ensuring its ethical and effective integration into future digital systems. Read Keir's Web3 primer here: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/keirf_fairly-simple-technical-guide-to-web3-activity-7082394134883237889-O8qd Learn more about Web3 at: https://untanglingweb3.com/ -- Untangling Web3 is brought to you by hosts Jack Davies and Alec Burns, with music by Daniel Paigge. Got a question or topic suggestion? Send us an email at [email protected]. Love what you're hearing? Show your support by becoming a subscriber and don't forget to leave us a stellar review. The views we express here are our own, and do not represent the views of our employers. Nothing discussed or stated in the show should be considered advice.