Working Group 9.2 
			Blockchain  
			
			Introduction
			Commission 9 has an important role to play in bringing economic and valuation 
			issues to bear with regards to technology advances such as Automated 
			Valuation Models (AVMs), Blockchain, GIS and technology enabled taxation 
			systems. This workgroup will also lead on the Comm 9 involvement with the 
			FIG taskforce on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Valuation/appraisal 
			is central to the achievement of several SDGs and is a major enabling 
			element of the New Urban Agenda.  
			Policy Issues
				Valuers need to be aware of the impact of technologies such as 
				big data and automated valuation and are strongly recommended to 
				increase their understanding. In certain cases, such as with lowrisk 
				valuations, the AVM may completely replace the valuer. In many instances 
				however, the valuer and the AVM will need to work hand in hand, with the 
				professional valuer ensuring that data used by the AVM is properly 
				checked using forecasts, then the results are analysed and interpreted, 
				and reported on in an understandable way for the client. The valuer will 
				need to embrace technology or be overtaken by it. It is hoped that the 
				use of AVMs will ultimately make it possible for professionals to spend 
				more time working on complex valuations  
				Chair 
				Ben Elderm  
				United Kingsom 
			belder[at]rics.org  
			  
				
					
						
						What we are working on - 
						
							- Commission 9 direct involvement with FIG taskforce on SDGs
 
							- Potential FIG output on the use of Blockchain within 
							valuation systems
 
							- LADM IIvaluation expertise and input. 
 
						 
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				What's New
			Progress:  
			Publication of RICS Insight Paper supported by FIG achieved February 
			2020.  
			Brief Background to Project:  
			Every so often a revolutionary digital break-through emerges. The most 
			recent being a technology allowing a decentralised, reliable and verifiable 
			record of transactions, which is maintained across multiple computers using 
			peer-to-peer networking and cryptography – blockchain. Blockchain came to 
			public prominence as the digital architecture underpinning Bitcoin and other 
			cryptocurrencies that blossomed following the financial crash of 2008. It 
			soon found potential applications in other fields, including a wide range of 
			sectors in which Surveyors operate. But where will the technology add value? 
			What are its limitations and risks? And how likely are today’s professional 
			firms and other industry players to take advantage of the opportunity that 
			blockchain represents? This project produced an RICS insight paper that 
			provides a balanced view of the outlook for blockchain, its application to 
			the real estate, built and natural environment and construction industries, 
			and what it could mean for Surveyors looking to stay at the forefront of 
			innovation.  
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