Blockchain technologies poised to have significant benefits

Blockchain technologies poised to have significant
benefits for the New Zealand economy

Distributed ledgers and blockchain are anticipated to provide a significant positive uplift to New Zealand’s economy, according to a new report published today.

In the report, Distributed Ledgers and Blockchains – Opportunities for New Zealand, author Joshua Vial from Enspiral, found that these emerging technologies would likely have a positive impact on high-tech jobs and digital exports for New Zealand.

Recognising the interest and investment in blockchain internationally, Callaghan Innovation and blockchain venture studio Centrality commissioned the report to provide Kiwi businesses and innovators useful insights into this emerging technology. The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) contributed an equal proportion of funding to the research. The report does not represent policy advice.

“Technology is now New Zealand’s third-biggest export sector, bringing in more than $16 billion a year in overall revenue, with plenty more headroom for further growth,” says Erica Lloyd, General Manager, Market Engagement and Experience at Callaghan Innovation. “Technological innovation is the path to lifting our earnings and productivity.”

“We expect this report will ignite further discussion on the potential of emerging technologies like blockchain and distributed ledgers. Although we are still at the early stages, there are substantial opportunities for us to both understand and apply blockchain towards sustainable and ground-breaking innovation that can support our economy.”

General Manager of Strategic Partnerships at Centrality, Andy Higgs, said the report provided useful analysis of the significant opportunities that exist for distributed ledger and blockchain technologies.

“Blockchain presents a huge opportunity, with over $11 billion USD raised through initial coin offerings (ICOs) in the first half of 2018. New Zealand has a chance to lead the way, thanks to our sense of fairness and social inclusiveness, to ensure all New Zealanders benefit from the full potential of blockchain and decentralisation.”

A copy of the report and image of Joshua are available via this link.

ENDS

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