> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://nesslab.gitbook.io/ness-lab/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://nesslab.gitbook.io/ness-lab/information-economy/the-challenges.md). # The Challenges While the information economy brings a lot of opportunities for the blockchain industry, it also poses several challenges that need to be addressed. One of the primary challenges is the issue of **information asymmetry**. This lack of symmetry can lead to market failures, as the party with less information cannot make informed decisions, leading to suboptimal outcomes. In the context of the information economy, information asymmetry can limit participation in the market, especially for those who lack specialized knowledge and expertise, thus creating a barrier to entry for new players. Another area of concern is the lack of **standardization and transparency** in the industry, where the absence of established protocols can make it challenging to compare products and services. Additionally, the technical complexity of blockchain technology can make it difficult for non-technical users to understand its features and applications, further exacerbating information asymmetry. The blockchain technology is complex and requires specialized knowledge and expertise to develop and utilize, creating a knowledge gap between industry experts and the general public. This knowledge asymmetry can hinder the growth and development of the blockchain industry by limiting the number of people who can participate in it. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://nesslab.gitbook.io/ness-lab/information-economy/the-challenges.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.