UK Government Office for Science proposes recommendations for developing blockchain technology

The UK Government Office for Science has published a report recommending that the UK government explore and experiment with blockchain and distributed ledger technologies.

The report, led by the UK government’s chief scientific adviser Mark Walport, contains proposals to drive the UK government’s pursuit of blockchain technology applications.

(Photo: Mark Walport, UK government chief scientific adviser)

The proposals include: 1. Setting standards for the use of this technology; 2. Creating new roles in government to demonstrate proof of concept; 3. Establishing a roadmap for further exploration and utilization of this technology;

The report highlights the potential benefits of using blockchain technology, stating:

“In summary, distributed ledger technology can provide governments with a framework that reduces fraud, corruption, errors, and paper costs. It has the potential to redefine the relationship between governments and citizens in terms of data sharing, transparency, and trust.”

Notably, the report also pushes for widespread testing of blockchain technology, advocating for government agencies to collaborate with the country’s research institutions.

“To truly understand the potential of distributed ledger technology, it will require not only research but also real-life applications of this technology,” the report states. “Governments should establish distributed ledger technology trials to assess the usability of this technology in the public sector.”

The report also mentions potential government blockchain applications, including payment systems and tax monitoring.

“Distributed ledger technology can help governments collect taxes, issue passports, record land registries, secure the supply chain of goods, and ensure the integrity of government records and trust services,” the report said.

Some government agencies, including the Government Digital Service, are understood to have begun experimenting with blockchain and distributed ledger technology.

In a speech last October, Harriet Baldwin MP, economic secretary to the Treasury, reinforced the government’s desire to attract startups and developers looking to exploit the technology.

The full report can be found at: http://8btc.com/doc-view-398.html

Original article: http://www.coindesk.com/report-uk-government-test-blockchain-tech/
By Stan Higgins
Translator: Overnight porridge
Source (translation): Babbitt Information (http://www.8btc.com/uk-government-test-blockchain)