Emre Yumlu 
The ZKsync ecosystem has reached a major turning point with the release of “ZK Token Proposal Part I” by founder Alex Gluchowski. The new proposal outlines a significant update to the ZK token’s economic framework. Under this new structure, all network-generated revenue will be used to repurchase and burn ZK tokens, effectively reducing supply while creating a self-sustaining value cycle tied to network usage.
From Governance to Real Utility: The Evolution of ZK Token
When ZK token was first launched, it served solely as a governance tool for the protocol. However, as the ecosystem has grown — particularly with the emergence of institutional solutions like Prividium — the vision for ZK has expanded beyond governance. The token is now positioned to become an economic driver of the entire network, capturing tangible value from both on-chain and off-chain activities.
Under the new model, revenue will be sourced from two main channels:
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On-chain revenues: Fees generated from transferring assets and messages between the ZKsync and Prividium networks (interoperability fees).
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Off-chain revenues: Licensing fees paid by financial institutions and enterprises for using advanced private modules and compliance systems.
All collected value will flow into a community-governed mechanism, which will allocate funds toward ZK token buybacks, token burns, staking rewards, and ecosystem development initiatives.
Goal: A Self-Sustaining and Economically Viable Ecosystem
According to Gluchowski, this new token model aims to make ZKsync economically self-sufficient. In this design, greater network usage directly translates into increased token demand, establishing a positive feedback loop that strengthens both token value and ecosystem sustainability.
Moreover, the proposal emphasizes the need for economic decentralization. By aligning developers, validators, and users around a single token-based economic model, ZKsync seeks to maintain credible neutrality and ensure that long-term growth remains community-driven rather than dependent on centralized actors.
Next Steps: Community Review and Implementation
The proposal is currently under discussion within the ZK Nation forum and across community channels. Once reviewed and approved through the governance process, the implementation phase will begin. Future updates are expected to provide more detailed frameworks regarding interoperability fee structures, enterprise revenue distribution, and token burn rates.
Initially launched as a simple governance token, ZK is now on the path to becoming the economic core of the ZKsync network — a system designed to align real-world usage with sustainable on-chain value creation.
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