Using Blockchain Technologies to Digitalize the Bidding Procedure for Acquisition or Lease of State or Municipal Land Plotsd

Introduction . The relevance of the study is induced by the need to improve the efficiency of public land resource management in the Russian Federation. Successful examples of other countries on blockchain technology integration into the land regulation process indicate the major potential of such solutions, however, in Russia this issue currently remains poorly studied. The article aims to investigate the possibilities of digitalizing the bidding procedure for acquisition and lease of the state or municipally owned land plots using the blockchain technologies, to identify key advantages of these technologies, problems and prospects of their implementation. Materials and Methods. The study was based on the comparative approach aimed at evaluating and analysing foreign experience on blockchain technology integration into the land acquisition or lease auction processes. The legalistic (dogmatic legal) method was also used. Results . It has been found that digitalization of auctions for acquisition or lease of the state or municipally owned land plots using blockchain technologies significantly increases the transparency, security and efficiency of these procedures. The use of new technologies reduces risk of corruption, accelerates processes and improves the accessibility of information to the participants, which has been confirmed by the successful experience of Estonia and the UAE. It has been emphasized that implementation of blockchain technologies in Russia requires the development of uniform standards for digital platforms used in this sphere to ensure compatibility of systems and unification of data. It has been proposed to envisage legal recognition of the electronic transactions and documents, thereby, to simplify the process of registering the rights to land plots. The conclusion about the need to ensure bidders’ data protection has been made, which is an important aspect requiring adoption of additional measures in the field of cybersecurity. Discussion and Conclusion . Implementation of digital technologies can significantly simplify organisation of land auctions, reduce risk of corruption and accelerate the transactions. It is important to continue research on the ways of removing the existing technical and legal barriers and adapting the international experience to the Russian reality to ensure sustainable development of the land auction system in the future.