Conclusion

Blockchain-for-land has experienced fitful growth over the past few years. Some projects successfully scaled, while others have been non-starters or struggled to impact larger populations. Everyone may want to experiment and innovate with emerging technology, but land registries must better prepare their exploratory processes of blockchain.

Engagement with senior land officials, information technology specialists, and the professional real estate community is necessary. All three groups will help a registry grasp the political, social, economic, and technical opportunities and challenges created by blockchain. These stakeholders, in turn, must identify issues that blockchain can solve within a land administration system and maintain realistic expectations regarding outcomes. The technology is not a “magic bullet” after all. Project teams should also ensure that a blockchain-based pilot can scale, as resources are not unlimited.

If blockchain is a viable solution, a land registry should further engage with a vendor, as technical implementation is a specialized skill. Firms will certainly recommend a solution design, and my colleagues also shared some thoughts on this matter last year.¹

Blockchain-for-land can positively impact populations around the world if implemented correctly. It is our hope that land registries will better analyze its potential.