The Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) has announced that it has established a blockchain innovation hub, which will be the world’s first research center on the social science of blockchain.

The RMIT Blockchain Innovation Hub will be led by Professor Jason Potts in the School of Economics, Finance and Marketing.

According to an online post on the RMIT website, the hub will develop an interdisciplinary research team focused on the economic, cultural and social implications and impacts of blockchain technologies. It would develop and implement policy and industry-relevant measures of the size and impact of the blockchain economy.

In addition, the hub will also partner with industry to share research, ensure students are work-ready when they graduate, and provide business solutions and advice. It will also engage with government, policymakers, stakeholders and the public debate on the social and policy impact of blockchain technology.

“The RMIT Blockchain Innovation Hub is the only full-service, research, teaching and industry-linked blockchain body in the world,” Professor Ian Palmer, Pro Vice-Chancellor Business and Vice-President, said. “This is an exciting new research strength for the College of Business and opens up exciting, new opportunities for Victorian and Australian industry.”

The official website says that the hub plans to offer a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and micro-credential courses in the economics of the blockchain, cryptocurrencies, and blockchain applications, starting late 2017.

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