The value of engineering is perhaps the greatest arbitrage opportunity in history. After 100 years of regulated professional engineering practice, engineering is still valued on a linear time and materials basis. In the Internet age, where everything and everyone is connected by engineering, I argue that the value of engineering may be accounted by the exponential Network Effect.
For example, many social networks such as Facebook or Google enjoy corporate valuation in accordance with Metcalfe’s law which states that the value of a network is proportional to the square of the number of nodes in the network. Facebook, Linkedin, Google, etc., are simply a platform upon which participants reflect value through their interaction with each other. The real physical value of those interactions is projected upon the virtual value of the platform. This is significant.
This condition may be mirrored with engineering infrastructure, such as a bridge or a building. The physical value of the bridge is accounted for in a linear time and materials, but the network value of the bridge is proportional to the exponential number of connections that people make in using the bridge. The difference between the two quantities represents an arbitrage opportunity whose value would be easily measured into existence by a clever cryptocurrency.
This analysis can be extended to nearly all works of engineering from renewable energy facilities, clean water installation, transportation systems, and all buildings, etc. The Network Effect also applies to the security, fault tolerance, transparency, and reliability of a network as well – each reflect additional layers of engineering proof of work.
Today, the value associated with the network effect of infrastructure engineering is unaccounted for – it does not exist on any balance sheet yet it is widely distributed in society. For example, doctors have hospitals, manufacturers have machinery, bankers have assets to finance, insurers have accidents to underwrite – none could exist without the network effect of engineering.
The World’s First Intrinsic Cryptocurrency
The purpose of Quant is to measure the network value of engineering into existence with a digital currency. Such a currency would represent the intrinsic value of all people who interact with works of engineering. A currency that accounts for intrinsic value will quickly achieve a generalized reciprocity among a community of beneficiaries who will then readily trade in that currency.
Much like Amazon.com started as a bookseller, Quant will start with infrastructure engineering. This initial transition step is essential to achieve initial reciprocity of the digital currency. The interface will be at the adjudication of smart construction contracts upon which banking and insurance depend to capitalize and underwrite the works. Once this point of entry is established, additional layers of infrastructure can be added eventually capturing the true value of every human being that contributes their productivity to the network.
The consortia being promoted by The Ingenesist Project between engineering and insurance will be a critical component in establishing this base layer of intrinsics. We have compiled a group of founders and visionaries that can bring this idea into a practical blockchain protocol. Would you consider joining us?
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