Shytoshi Kusama, the lead developer of the popular meme cryptocurrency Shiba Inu, has proposed a strategic initiative that could transform the United States into a global epicenter for blockchain technology.
The plan, dated November 5 and titled “Strategic Hub for Innovation in Blockchain (S.H.I.B.),” outlined a comprehensive vision to establish a dedicated hub for blockchain innovation in a major U.S. city.
Kusama’s proposal comes at a crucial time as the country prepares for a new administration under President-elect Donald Trump. In a tweet accompanying a blog, the Shiba Inu developer invited both presidential candidates or any interested parties to support this so-called “Silicon Valley for the Blockchain industry.”
Notably, the S.H.I.B. initiative aims to leverage blockchain’s transformative potential to stimulate economic growth, create high-quality jobs, enhance national security, and reinforce the United States’ leadership in emerging technologies. The plan outlines a detailed roadmap covering infrastructure development, economic incentives, talent development, regulatory framework, sustainable practices, and global marketing and outreach.
“By establishing a dedicated hub for blockchain innovation, the United States can capitalize on this technology’s potential, ensuring economic prosperity, technological advancement, and enhanced national security,” Kusama wrote.
The plan also called for investing between $1.3 billion and $2.35 billion over 5-10 years to build the necessary physical and digital infrastructure, including state-of-the-art research labs, incubators, and energy-efficient data centers. Additionally, Kusama suggested introducing tax incentives, grants, and public-private partnerships to attract companies and talent to the hub.
Kusama further envisions the S.H.I.B. initiative creating over 20,000 high-skilled jobs in the medium term and contributing more than $5 billion annually to the economy in the long run. The plan highlighted how the hub can enhance national security through blockchain-powered solutions and align with the administration’s priorities in technological leadership, sustainable development, and STEM education.
That said, the proposal has captured the crypto community’s attention. In a Sunday tweet, Kusama even suggested to billionaire Elon Musk that Americans consider on-chain voting an alternative to traditional methods prone to fraud and inefficiencies.
Other industry leaders are also working with the Trump administration to shape crypto policy in 2025. Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson shared over the weekend that a large portion of his efforts next year will focus on political engagement.
“I’m going to be spending significant time working with lawmakers in Washington, D.C., and members of the administration to help foster and facilitate a comprehensive crypto policy,” he stated.
Hoskinson emphasized the importance of seizing this rare political opportunity. Republicans now have a high probability of controlling the presidency, Senate, and House of Representatives, which could pave the way for long-sought regulatory clarity.
“This is the best chance we’ve ever had to achieve clarity for our industry and remove the SEC’s shadow over ecosystems like Cardano, Ripple, Ethereum, and even Bitcoin, despite ETF approvals,” he added.
