Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin outlined two key transformations for the network's future execution layer: first, shifting to a binary state tree through EIP-7864 to significantly improve proof efficiency; second, developing a long-term plan to replace the EVM with the RISC-V instruction set architecture to enhance versatility. He believes these "deep-level" architectural changes are crucial for addressing fundamental efficiency issues and can effectively support incremental improvement strategies.