RICS

Abstract: Purpose – This study seeks to provide a review of the background and context to the engagement of RICS members with the sustainability agenda, and to examine the extent to which the surveying profession uses relevant information, tools and techniques to achieve the key objectives of sustainable development (or sustainability).Design/methodology/approach – The paper analyses results from a major international online survey of 4,600 RICS respondent members, supported by 31 structured telephone interviews.Findings – The results suggest that, although sustainability is highly relevant to RICS members' work, a lack of knowledge and expertise is making it more difficult for sustainability tools and other information to be used effectively.Research limitations/implications – The survey is based on a substantial number of responses which are broadly representative of the global RICS population. A key implication is that “laggard” faculties include the disciplines of commercial property and valuation.Practical imp...

Abstract: In this paper, we present a critical assessment of recent economic development policy directions centered on the concept of regional innovation clusters. We begin by investigating the rationale underlying the Obama administration's promotion of regional innovation clusters (RICs) and their introduction to the policy arena in its Strategy for American Innovation. The connections among RICs and existing research and policies in industry and occupational clusters, regional innovation systems and regional economic development are identified and analyzed to highlight those most critical challenges to conceptualizing and theorizing RICs. While we applaud the long overdue focus of economic development policies on sub-national regions, we identify several major conceptual shortcomings and programmatic difficulties associated with RICs as a centerpiece for economic development strategies.

Abstract: This paper describes two research projects: the first carried out during Q2 2007 for the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) and MacDonald Dettwiler and Associates (Downie & Robson, 2007). The second is a questionnaire survey of RICS Residential Faculty members, carried out Q2 2008, as part of an ongoing study funded by the RICS Education Trust and the RICS Residential Faculty, investigating how AVMs can integrate with valuation services to meet the needs of borrowers, lenders and RICS members. Both projects were undertaken by the School of the Built Environment at Northumbria University. The former predates the credit crunch and the latter coincided with it. The paper will first outline the main findings of the CML report, then those of the valuer questionnaire and finally draw conclusions about issues for consideration by professional and industry bodies.