Cosmos Launches Multi-Step Review to Rework ATOM Tokenomics
- Cosmos Labs launches a multi-phase plan to rebuild ATOM’s tokenomics with structured research.
- Community discussions drive the shift toward a clearer and data-driven tokenomics framework.
- The process moves ATOM toward a revenue-based model designed for durable long-term stability.
The next stage of ATOM’s evolution has begun as Cosmos Labs starts a structured, multi-phase effort to rebuild the token’s economic model. The process centers on core fundamentals rather than short-term mechanisms, creating a framework for sustainable growth, broader utility, and long-term stability for ATOM.
The initiative follows weeks of public conversation in a large working group, during which thousands of messages were exchanged. Participants proposed ideas such as increasing rewards for long-term stakers, revising inflation schedules, and giving ATOM broader roles across the ecosystem.
Cosmos Defines Core Tokenomics Before Adding Mechanisms
Cosmos Labs emphasized that early discussions mixed fundamental economic models with optional mechanisms. The team clarified that the research must first establish the underlying structure on which future mechanisms could be built.
The comparison point was the Osmosis model, where value originates from protocol fee capture, while incentives and secondary systems sit on top. ATOM’s process would follow the same segmentation to avoid confusion and ensure that each layer is developed in the correct order.
A key decision is to pursue a revenue-based model similar to approaches announced by zkSync and Uniswap. ATOM’s future value may be tied to fees generated through enterprise usage of the Cosmos Stack and related applications.
This direction avoids circular structures that depend on internal token loops. Such circular systems could fail when market conditions weaken, as seen in several designs where lockups and emissions create pressure cycles. A revenue-oriented model remains stable as long as fees continue to accumulate.
Cosmos Outlines Five-Step Framework for ATOM Tokenomics Redesign
The first official phase is the Request for Proposals. Cosmos Labs would publish the full RFP on the Cosmos Hub forum and share it with firms that specialize in blockchain economics. Anyone may submit. All proposals would be sent privately to Cosmos Labs first to avoid bid interference. They would then be reposted publicly for open feedback. Submissions would remain open for about three weeks.
Validators and community members could participate in the process by reviewing the RFP, providing feedback, and attending scheduled calls. Cosmos Labs would host a validator discussion in December. Community members are encouraged to monitor the forum for updates once the RFP is posted.
The second phase begins when proposals close. Cosmos Labs would hold public sessions where firms could present their ideas. Community members would be invited to discuss the details and raise questions. Cosmos Labs would then select two to four firms.
This approach ensures a mix of methods and perspectives. Selection would consider familiarity with Cosmos, research quality, and cost. Community feedback would contribute to the review.
Information gathering begins after teams are selected. Researchers would evaluate ATOM’s existing economic structure, emission dynamics, and demand patterns. They would speak with validators, developers, ATOM holders, and ecosystem partners.
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They would examine how different participants rely on ATOM today. Teams would also test some ideas shared by the community during earlier discussions. Preliminary findings will be posted as work progresses.
Once research is complete, each team will produce a draft report. These drafts would be released for detailed community review. Feedback may lead to revisions where assumptions require correction or where components prove impractical.
When reports are finalized, Cosmos Labs and the community will combine the strongest elements into a single framework. That framework would become a governance proposal.
The final stage is governance. The proposal will be subject to public forums before going up for an on-chain vote. If adopted, Cosmos Labs would start working on a new strategy. This is truly the beginning of something new for ATOM. It is a network that will soon be based on tokenomics, supported by revenue, data, and long-term sustainability.
