Rand Corp Sustainable Development Global "Think Tanks" Bitcoiners

[RockHound]

The Rand Corporation is a well funded collective group of researchers - The group expends resources to tackle problems prevalent in today's society.

Here's a link to their website for you to explore: http://www.rand.org/about/history.html

I just wrote a little message and Forwarded to all on Contacts page: http://www.rand.org/about/contacts.html  Would be great if some other Bitcoiners on here could back me up and do the same. Any suggestions of other influential groups to target would be cool (promoting awareness/adoption)

Hi Naveena Ponnusamy and fellow Rand affiliates,

I am a professional geologist and investor in sustainable natural resources/technologies. The Bitcoin protocol came to our attention in 2012 and has been of much interest amongst my peers and associate engineers/scientists.

Although the technology has seen much media coverage in the past eight months and arguably in a speculative phase of adoption. It's construct and potential offers viable solutions to real world problems beyond the scope of financial gain. Anti-corruption and public transparency technologies are applications I personally believe the protocol can provide.

I note your mission statement:

"The RAND Corporation is a research organization that develops solutions to public policy challenges to help make communities throughout the world safer and more secure, healthier and more prosperous."

Has the Rand group looked into/made any preliminary informal investigations into the technology? I and many other people would be interested on hearing what your researchers think.


Best regards,

[RockHound]

Just went on Wikipedia for list on other Global Think Tanks:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_think_tanks

United Nations

    United Nations University (UNU)


Argentina

    Armed Forces Scientific and Technical Research Institute
    National Atomic Energy Commission
    National Space Activities Commission
    National Research Council
    National Agricultural Technology Institute
    National Industrial Technology Institute
    Leloir Institute
    Balseiro Institute

Australia

    Air Power Australia
    Australia Institute (TAI)
    Australian Institute of International Affairs (AIIA)
    Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI)
    Brisbane Institute
    Committee for Economic Development of Australia
    Centre for Independent Studies
    Centre for Policy Development
    Development Policy Centre
    East Asian Bureau of Economic Research (EABER)
    Evatt Foundation
    Grattan Institute
    H.R. Nicholls Society
    Institute of Public Affairs (Australia) (IPA)
    Lowy Institute for International Policy
    Mannkal Economic Education Foundation
    Per Capita
    Sydney Institute
    Strategic and Defence Studies Centre (SDSC)
    United States Studies Centre
    Western Australia Policy Forum

Azerbaijan

    Center for Strategic Studies under the President of Azerbaijan
    The Center for Economic and Social Development (CESD)


Bangladesh

    Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS)
    Bangladesh Institute of Law and International Affairs (BILIA)
    Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies (BIPSS)
    Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD)
   Making Our Economy Right (MOER) Email returned, no website?


Belgium

    Bruegel
    Centre for European Policy Studies
    Centre for the New Europe
    Egmont
    European Centre on the International Political Economy
    European Policy Centre
    Friends of Europe
    International Crisis Group
    Liberales
    Nova Civitas
    Vlaamse Volksbeweging
    Itinera Institute

Brazil

    Fundação Getúlio Vargas
    Institute of Applied Economic Research

Canada

    Atlantic Institute for Market Studies
    Atlantic Provinces Economic Council
    Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada
    Caledon Institute of Social Policy
    Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives
    Canadian Defence and Foreign Affairs Institute
    Canadian Institute for Advanced Research
    Canadian International Council
    Canadian Tax Foundation
    Centre for International Governance Innovation
    Conference Board of Canada
    Council of Canadians
    C.D. Howe Institute
    Fraser Institute
    Frontier Centre for Public Policy
    Institute for Research on Public Policy
    International Institute for Sustainable Development
    Macdonald-Laurier Institute
    Montreal Economic Institute
    Mowat Centre for Policy Innovation
    North-South Institute
    Pembina Institute
    Public Policy Forum
    Wellesley Institute

Chile

    Libertad y Desarrollo

Czech Republic

    Institute for Social and Economic Analyses

Denmark

    CEPOS
    Copenhagen Institute
    Copenhagen Institute for Futures Studies

Egypt

    Information and Decision Support Center (IDSC)
    Al-Ahram Center for Political and Strategic Studies
    The Egyptian Center for Public Policy Studies (ECPPS)

Finland

    Åland Islands Peace Institute
    Research Institute of the Finnish Economy

France

    Cercle de l'Oratoire
    Conférence Olivaint
    European Union Institute for Security Studies
    Gracques
    Groupement de recherche et d'études pour la civilisation européenne
    Institut Choiseul for International Politics and Geoeconomics
    Centre d'Etudes Prospectives et d'Informations Internationales (CEPII)
    Institut français des relations internationales (IFRI)
    Notre Europe
    Mont Pelerin Society
    Robert Schuman Foundation
    Saint-Simon Foundation

Georgia (country)|Georgia

    New Economic School – Georgia

Germany

    Atlantic Community
    Bundesakademie für Sicherheitspolitik
    Bonn International Center for Conversion
    Centre for European Policy
    Deutsche Gesellschaft für auswärtige Politik
    Friedrich Naumann Foundation
    Friedrich Ebert Foundation
    German Advisory Council on Global Change (WBGU)
    German Institute for Economic Research (DIW)
    German Institute for International and Security Affairs
    German Institute of Global and Area Studies
    Hanns Seidel Foundation
    Heinrich Böll Foundation
    Ifo Institut für Wirtschaftsforschung (IFO)
    Konrad Adenauer Foundation
    Peace Research Institute Frankfurt
    Rosa Luxemburg Foundation
    Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik (SWP)
    Walter Eucken Institut

Greece

    Hellenic Foundation for European and Foreign Policy (ELIAMEP)
    International Centre for Black Sea Studies (ICBSS)

Hong Kong

    Civic Exchange
    The Lion Rock Institute
    The Professional Commons

Hungary

    Club of Budapest
    Millennium Institute
    Centre for Fair Political Analysis

India

    Centre for Land Warfare Studies, New Delhi
    Centre for Policy Research, New Delhi
    Centre for Public Policy Research,Cochin
    Centre for Public Policy, Bangalore
    Centre for Asian Strategic Studies-India, (CASS-India), New Delhi
    Centre for Civil Society (CCS)
    Gateway House: Indian Council on Global Relations
    Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA)
    National Maritime Foundation (NMF)
    Observer Research Foundation, New Delhi & Mumbai[1]
    South Asia Analysis Group (SAAG)
    Strategic Foresight Group, Mumbai
    The Takshashila Institution, Bangalore
    United Service Institution of India
    Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies (IPCS)

Ireland

    Institute of International and European Affairs (IEA)
    Iona Institute
    TASC (Think-Tank for Action on Social Change)

Iran

    Foundation for Iranian Studies
    International Society for Iranian Studies
    Ravand Institute
    Scandinavian Society for Iranian Studies

Israel

    Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies
    Institute for National Security Studies
    Institute for Advanced Strategic and Political Studies
    Israel Council on Foreign Relations
    Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs
    Reut Institute
    Shalem Center

Italy

    Bruno Leoni Institute
    Club of Rome
    European University Institute
    Future Italy
    Institute for International Political Studies (ISPI)
    Istituto Affari Internazionali
    Venezie Institute
    Vision

Japan

    Institute of Developing Economies (IDE-JETRO)
    National Institute for Research Advancement (NIRA)

Kenya

    African Progress Center

Mexico

    Center of Research for Development (CIDAC)
    Instituto de Pensamiento Estratégico Ágora (IPEA)

Morocco

    Amadeus Institute

Netherlands

    Center for European Renewal
    Edmund Burke Foundation
    European Independent Institute
    International Institute for Research and Education
    Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy
    Netherlands Institute of International Relations Clingendael
    The Hague Institute for Global Justice
    Transnational Institute
    Wiardi Beckman Foundation

New Zealand

    The New Zealand Institute
    New Zealand Business Roundtable
    Centre for Strategic Studies New Zealand
    Ecologic Foundation
    Institute of Policy Studies
    Maxim Institute
    Sustainable Future Institute

Nigeria

    African Centre for Development and Strategic Studies (ACDESS)
    Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA)
    Nigerian Economic Summit Group Ltd/Gte

Pakistan

    Applied Economics Research Center (AERC)
    Institute of Policy Studies (IPS)
    Institute of Regional Studies(IRS)
    Institute of Strategic Studies (ISS)
    Islamabad Policy Research Institute (IPRI)
    Pakistan Academy of Sciences
    Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE)
    Pakistan Institute of International Affairs (PIIA)
    Pakistan Institute of National Affairs (PINA)
    Social Policy and Development Center (SPDC)
    Strategic Institute for Maritime Affairs
    Sustainable Development Policy Institute

Philippines

    Resources, Environment and Economics Center for Studies (REECS)

Poland

    Adam Smith Centre
    Centre for Eastern Studies (OSW)
    Center for Social and Economic Research (CASE)
    Institute of Economics
    Sobieski Institute
    The Kosciuszko Institute

Russia

    Analytical Center for the Government of the Russian Federation

Singapore

    Singapore Institute of International Affairs
    Institute of Policy Studies
    S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies

Slovakia

    Institute for Public Affairs (IVO)
    Forum Minority Research Institute

Sri Lanka

    Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute of International Relations and Strategic Studies

South Africa

    Centre for Development and Enterprise

Spain

    Barcelona Centre for International Affairs (CIDOB)
    Fundación Alternativas
    Foundation for Analysis and Social Studies (FAES)

South Korea

    Korea Development Institute (KDI)
    Korea Institute of Public Administration (KIPA)
    Center for Free Enterprise (CFE)
    Sejong Institute

Sweden

    Captus
    Eudoxa
    Ratio Institute
    Stockholm International Peace Research Institute
    Timbro
    Institute for Security and Development Policy

Switzerland

    Avenir Suisse
    Liberales Institut

Taiwan

    Taiwan Institute of Economic Research
    Chung-Hua Institution for Economic Research

Turkey

    Global Political Trends Center (GPoT Center)

Ukraine

    The Razumkov Centre
    International Centre for Policy Studies (ICPS)
    Institute for Euro-Atlantic Cooperation (IEAC)

United Arab Emirates

    Gulf Research Center

United Kingdom

    Adam Smith Institute
    Africa Research Institute
    Bow Group
    Boyd Group
    Bright Blue
    British Future
    British Institute of International and Comparative Law
    Bruges Group
    Building and Social Housing Foundation
    Catalyst
    Centre for the Analysis of Social Exclusion
    Centre for Cities
    The Centre for Cross Border Studies
    Centre for Defence and International Security Studies
    Centre for the Economics of Education
    Centre for Economic and Social Inclusion
    Centre for Economic Policy Research
    Centre for Enterprise
    Centre For Policy and Research On Turkey (Research Turkey)
    Centre for Policy Studies
    Centre for Social Justice
    Centre for Social Cohesion
    Centre for Strategic Research and Analysis (CESRAN)
    CentreForum
    Chatham House
    City Mayors Foundation
    Commonwealth Policy Studies Unit
    The Constitution Unit
    Compass
    Cornerstone Group
    Cordoba Foundation
    CIVITAS
    Civitatis International
    Credos
    Demos
    Ekklesia
    Electoral Reform Society
    European Council on Foreign Relations
    Fabian Society
    Foreign Policy Centre
    Forum for the Future
    Global Ideas Bank
    Global Vision
    Global Warming Policy Foundation
    Gold Mercury International
    Green Alliance
    Green House Think Tank
    Halsbury's Law Exchange
    Hansard Society
    The Henry Jackson Society
    Higher Education Policy Institute
    Independent Transport Commission
    Innovation Unit
    Institute for Fiscal Studies
    Institute for Government
    Institute for Jewish Policy Research
    Institute for Public Policy Research
    Institute for Social Inventions
    Institute for Strategic Dialogue
    Institute of Advanced Study
    Institute of Economic Affairs
    Institute of Race Relations
    Institute of Welsh Affairs
    International Institute for Environment and Development
    International Institute for Strategic Studies
    International Longevity Centre – UK
    Involve
    Joseph Rowntree Foundation
    Jubilee Centre
    King's Fund
    Legatum Institute
    Local Government Information Unit
    MigrationWatch UK
    Million+
    Mutuo

N–Z

    National Institute of Economic and Social Research
    New City Initiative
    New Economics Foundation
    New Local Government Network
    New Philanthropy Capital
    New Policy Institute
    New Politics Network
    Nuffield Council on Bioethics
    Nuffield Trust
    One World Trust
    Open Europe
    Overseas Development Institute
    Oxford Research Group
    Policy Connect
    Policy Exchange
    Policy Network
    Policy Studies Institute
    Politeia
    Population Matters (formerly known as the Optimum Population Trust)
    Progress
    Quilliam
    RAND Europe (an independent division of the RAND Corporation)
    Re-Define
    Reform
    Renewable Energy Foundation
    Resolution Foundation
    ResPublica
    Royal Air Force Centre for Air Power Studies
    Royal Institute of Public Administration (defunct)
    Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies
    Royal Society of Arts
    Scotland's Futures Forum
    Scottish Constitutional Commission
    Selsdon Group
    Smith Institute
    Social Affairs Unit
    Social Market Foundation
    Society of Conservative Lawyers
    Science and Technology Policy Research (SPRU)
    Stockholm Network
    The Intergenerational Foundation
    The Wilberforce Society
    Theos
    Unlock Democracy
    Von Hügel Institute
    Young Fabians
    Young Foundation
    The Work Foundation
    Z/Yen

United States



    Acton Institute
    Alexis de Tocqueville Institution
    Allegheny Institute for Public Policy
    American Action Forum
    American Civil Rights Union
    American Enterprise Institute
    American Foreign Policy Council
    American Institute for Economic Research
    American–Iranian Council
    American Israel Public Affairs Committee
    American Security Council Foundation
    Americans for the Arts
    Analysis Group
    Askew Institute on Politics and Society
    Aspen Institute
    Atlantic Council
    Atlas Economic Research Foundation
    Battelle Memorial Institute
    Americans for the Arts
    Bipartisan Policy Center
    Bradley Foundation
    Brookings Institution
    The Buckeye Institute
    Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
    Cascade Policy Institute
    Cato Institute
    Center for American Progress
    Center for a New American Security
    Center for Advanced Defense Studies
    Center for an Urban Future
    Center for Defense Information
    Center for Economic and Policy Research
    Center for Ethical Solutions
    Center for Excellence in Higher Education
    Center for Freedom and Prosperity
    Center for Global Development
    Center for Governmental Research
    Center for Governmental Studies
    Center for Immigration Studies
    Center for International Policy
    Center for Media and Democracy
    Center for Muslim-Jewish Engagement
    Center for National Policy
    Center for Public Integrity
    Center for Public Justice
    Center for Security Policy
    Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments
    Center for Strategic and International Studies
    Center for the National Interest (The Nixon Center)
    Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress
    Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
    Center on Global Interests
    The Century Foundation
    Claremont Institute
    Committee for Economic Development
    Committee on the Present Danger
    Commonwealth Institute
    Competitive Enterprise Institute
    Concord Coalition
    The Conference Board
    Constitution Project
    Corporation for Enterprise Development
    Council on Competitiveness
    Council on Foreign Relations
    Council on Hemispheric Affairs
    Demos
    Discovery Institute
    Drum Major Institute
    EastWest Institute
    Economic Opportunity Institute
    Economic Policy Institute
    Employment Policies Institute
    Foreign Policy Initiative
    Foreign Policy Research Institute
    Foundation for Defense of Democracies
    Foundation for Economic Education
    Foundation for Excellence in Education
    Foundation for Rational Economics and Education
    Freund Scholarly Research Group
    Fusion Energy Foundation
    Future of American Democracy Foundation
    General Electric EdgeLab
    German Marshall Fund of the United States
    GTRI Office of Policy Analysis and Research
    Global Development and Environment Institute
    Global Financial Integrity
    Global Trade Watch
    Goldwater Institute
    Group of Thirty
    The Hampton Institute
    Hastings Center
    The Heartland Institute
    Henry L. Stimson Center
    The Heritage Foundation
    Hoover Institution
    Hudson Institute
    India, China & America Institute
    Independence Institute
    The Independent Institute
    Information Technology and Innovation Foundation
    Institute for Collaborative Engagement
    Institute for Policy Studies
    Institute for Social Policy and Understanding
    Institute for Women's Policy Research
    Inter-American Dialogue
    International Center for Research on Women
    International Intellectual Property Institute
    James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy
    James Madison Institute
    Jamestown Foundation
    John S. Watson Institute for Public Policy
    Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies
    Justice Research Association
    Kansas Policy Institute
    Keck Institute for Space Studies
    Levy Economics Institute
    Lexington Institute
    Ludwig von Mises Institute
    Mackinac Center for Public Policy
    Manhattan Institute for Policy Research
    Mercatus Center at George Mason University
    Middle East Forum
    Migration Policy Institute
    Milken Institute
    Millennium Project
    National Bureau of Asian Research
    National Bureau of Economic Research
    National Center for Policy Analysis
    National Endowment for Democracy
    National Policy Institute
    National Security Network
    New America Foundation
    New Democrat Network
    New England Complex Systems Institute (NECSI)
    New Teacher Center
    Oklahoma Policy Institute
    Oregon Center for Public Policy
    Pacific Institute
    Pacific Research Institute
    Peterson Institute for International Economics
    Pew Research Center
    Philadelphia Society
    Pioneer Institute
    Policy Matters Ohio
    Political and Economic Research Council (PERC)
    Potomac Institute for Policy Studies
    Progressive Policy Institute
    Project 2049 Institute
    Project for the New American Century
    Public Citizen
    RAND Corporation
    Reason Foundation
    The Reform Institute
    Resources for the Future
    Ripon Society
    Rockford Institute
    Rockridge Institute
    Rocky Mountain Institute
    Roosevelt Institute Campus Network
    RTI International (Research Triangle Institute)
    Santa Fe Institute
    Seven Pillars Institute
    Show-Me Institute
    South Asian Center for Reintegration and Independent Research
    Strategic Studies Institute
    Streit Council for a Union of Democracies
    Taos Institute
    Tax Foundation
    Tellus Institute
    Texas Public Policy Foundation
    Third Way
    Thomas B. Fordham Institute
    The Urban Energy Policy Institute
    Urban Institute
    Urban Land Institute
    United States Institute of Peace
    Washington Institute for Near East Policy
    W. E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research
    WestEd
    Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars
    World Affairs Council
    World Resources Institute



It's a somewhat long list       Will slowly work through and mark Messaged one's in Orange

[JohnnyBTCSeed]

From the bottom of my heart i'd like to say a big

FUCK YOU to those evil Rand corp bastards.


Thanks for helping fuck up humanity, go do us all a favor and die a quick death

[RockHound]

From the bottom of my heart i'd like to say a big

FUCK YOU to those evil Rand corp bastards.


Thanks for helping fuck up humanity, go do us all a favor and die a quick death

Have to agree with you in certain respects - Their past endeavors are subject of debate and questionable integrity.

My small efforts are aimed just to invoke at least a response from them and governmental BTC acceptance without prejudice on my part.

Appreciate what you are saying though! 

[BTFjmwn]

Hey, all those think tanks are only concerned about how they can get more of your money. Time to realize they don't count anymore. Your thoughts and value added actions are what counts.

[cuddaloreappu]

I have read that Rand corporation was the think tank that made USA win the cold war and made the united states the greatest nation in the world.

[RockHound]

This is why I personally believe Bitcoin to be a powerful disruptive technology - It's applications will be used for actual financial global benefit.

Now, not saying it's wrong for someone to make a profit or an organization to do so. Just that the protocol should be used to help communities and the average person essentially getting ripped off via corruption and inefficient fund allocation.

It would be equally naive to think all these registered entities on the list are just about turning a profit - Maybe wrong?

Some do however hold influence in the technological, innovation and governmental sectors - I think we need to dispel any of their concerns regarding the protocol, hopefully leading to a wider acceptance.

[LiteCoinGuy]

it´s a good idea to write to these think tanks.

[RockHound]

it´s a good idea to write to these think tanks.

Cheers man, working way through list      - I'm targeting the more socioeconomic ones first

[Ron~Popeil]

Excellent work. Regardless of anyone's opinion of them they are influential and tend to have politicians ears.

[JohnnyBTCSeed]

Excellent work. Regardless of anyone's opinion of them they are influential and tend to have politicians ears.

Yep
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYrkLwLTrIg

author Alex Abella was allowed exclusive access inside the RAND Corporation to view their archives. What he discovered was a plot driven by mad scientists, behaviorists, and generals who were intent on starting world war three and fleecing the American people in the process

[JohnnyBTCSeed]

"We are all the bastard children of Rand and we don't even know it"

[JohnnyBTCSeed]

Excellent work. Regardless of anyone's opinion of them they are influential and tend to have politicians ears.

Yep
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYrkLwLTrIg

author Alex Abella was allowed exclusive access inside the RAND Corporation to view their archives. What he discovered was a plot driven by mad scientists, behaviorists, and generals who were intent on starting world war three and fleecing the American people in the process

hmm does this go against their mission statement. lol

"a research organization that develops solutions to public policy challenges to help make communities throughout the world safer and more secure, healthier and more prosperous."


RAND was instrumental in developing the strategy behind the use of nuclear weapons, and how they actively promoting nuking the entirety of Eastern Europe as well as China in case of problems in Western Europe, a policy that could easily have sparked off a catastrophic nuclear holocaust. RAND researchers believed that as long as 10 million Americans survived a nuclear war, the war was won.



so yeah..

FUCK THEM

[Bagatell]

it´s a good idea to write to these think tanks.

I disagree. These people are not our friends.

[Bit_Happy]

Writing several think tanks is a good plan. The strong negativity towards Rand Corp is justified, so I will not be writing to them.
@RockHound, Thanks for the long list and interesting idea for useful action.

it´s a good idea to write to these think tanks.

I disagree. These people are not our friends.

Communication with "the enemy" is sometimes a good thing, and it certainly cannot do much harm to say positive things about Bitcoin.

[RockHound]

Cheers lads appreciate All comments - It's you guys who are the early adopters and will help shape Bitcoin in the years to come!

Just thought there was a lack of response from certain collectives/researchers who are supposed experts on economic/scientific policies. Most receive funding/donations to investigate current policy problems and aim to present solutions.

Will post their responses as received  

[RockHound]

FROM: CHARLOTTE BOWYER, ADAM SMITH INSTITUTE (ASI)


Hi "RH"

Great to hear from you! I'm the Digital Policy researcher at the ASI, and one of the areas I am indeed interested in is cryptocurrencies and applications of the blockchain protocol. I recently attended the BItcoin Foundation Conference in Amsterdam, and we're in the process of organising a series of panel events on bitcoin, similar technologies and related regulatory issues which should be taking place September- November.

I think that bitcoin is a fascinating development from a swathe of social, political, economic and legal perspectives, with tremendous capacity to shape things for the better. Unfortunately, I have no technical background and I wish I understood the mechanics on more than a superficial level, as I think it would help understand the myriad of potential uses for blockchain technology (for example, a government/ banking/ private company cryptoledger which increases transparency and reduces corruption.) This is definitely something I'm very interested in, however.

Having spoken to a few people in the UK Bitcoin space, the consensus is that it would indeed be valuable for the ASI to do some research and written work on the topic, and this is something that I'm very keen to pursue. Within the office I'm the only person focused on this line of research, though I'm actively looking for others who can help me better understand certain areas, or even write for the institute directly. With this in mind, I'd love to hear your thoughts further on the potential applications of the blockchain protocol, and also, what type of research and work around Bitcoin it would be most useful for the ASI to do.

All the best,
Charlotte

[Bit_Happy]

FROM: CHARLOTTE BOWYER, ADAM SMITH INSTITUTE (ASI)


Hi "RH"

Great to hear from you! I'm the Digital Policy researcher at the ASI, and one of the areas I am indeed interested in is cryptocurrencies and applications of the blockchain protocol. I recently attended the BItcoin Foundation Conference in Amsterdam, and we're in the process of organising a series of panel events on bitcoin, similar technologies and related regulatory issues which should be taking place September- November.

I think that bitcoin is a fascinating development from a swathe of social, political, economic and legal perspectives, with tremendous capacity to shape things for the better. Unfortunately, I have no technical background and I wish I understood the mechanics on more than a superficial level, as I think it would help understand the myriad of potential uses for blockchain technology (for example, a government/ banking/ private company cryptoledger which increases transparency and reduces corruption.) This is definitely something I'm very interested in, however.

Having spoken to a few people in the UK Bitcoin space, the consensus is that it would indeed be valuable for the ASI to do some research and written work on the topic, and this is something that I'm very keen to pursue. Within the office I'm the only person focused on this line of research, though I'm actively looking for others who can help me better understand certain areas, or even write for the institute directly. With this in mind, I'd love to hear your thoughts further on the potential applications of the blockchain protocol, and also, what type of research and work around Bitcoin it would be most useful for the ASI to do.

All the best,
Charlotte

RockHound that's a fantastic early response. 
She is offering to do "research and work" related to Bicoin paid for by the institute.
(One idea below for research work)
Where is the link for the $100,000 bounty to replace the Bitcoin Foundation (in respect to BTC code development) posted a little over a week ago? This may not be their area of expertise, I'm sure someone can come up with other ideas...
 

[QuestionAuthority]

Excellent! That's exactly what we need. Just the other day I was telling someone I wished the Bilderberg Illuminati would become more involved in Bitcoin and its development.

[RockHound]

FROM: CHARLOTTE BOWYER, ADAM SMITH INSTITUTE (ASI)


Hi "RH"

Great to hear from you! I'm the Digital Policy researcher at the ASI, and one of the areas I am indeed interested in is cryptocurrencies and applications of the blockchain protocol. I recently attended the BItcoin Foundation Conference in Amsterdam, and we're in the process of organising a series of panel events on bitcoin, similar technologies and related regulatory issues which should be taking place September- November.

I think that bitcoin is a fascinating development from a swathe of social, political, economic and legal perspectives, with tremendous capacity to shape things for the better. Unfortunately, I have no technical background and I wish I understood the mechanics on more than a superficial level, as I think it would help understand the myriad of potential uses for blockchain technology (for example, a government/ banking/ private company cryptoledger which increases transparency and reduces corruption.) This is definitely something I'm very interested in, however.

Having spoken to a few people in the UK Bitcoin space, the consensus is that it would indeed be valuable for the ASI to do some research and written work on the topic, and this is something that I'm very keen to pursue. Within the office I'm the only person focused on this line of research, though I'm actively looking for others who can help me better understand certain areas, or even write for the institute directly. With this in mind, I'd love to hear your thoughts further on the potential applications of the blockchain protocol, and also, what type of research and work around Bitcoin it would be most useful for the ASI to do.

All the best,
Charlotte

RockHound that's a fantastic early response.  
She is offering to do "research and work" related to Bicoin paid for by the institute.
(One idea below for research work)
Where is the link for the $100,000 bounty to replace the Bitcoin Foundation (in respect to BTC code development) posted a little over a week ago? This may not be their area of expertise, I'm sure someone can come up with other ideas...
  

She seems like a nice girl and technical curious regarding Bitcoin technology (Think ASI may have paid for her to go Amsterdam for further investigations). I wrote back to her offering any support she needs, will probably network on here and direct her to more technical or Senior/Hero Members like yourself  
Don't know about you guys, but took me a while to get my head around just some of Bitcoin's Whitepaper/basic fundamentals, and I'm still learning! Great to know some groups are investing/commissioning further research and development.