We’re drowning in buzzwords: digital transformation, AI, blockchain. But amidst the hype, a crucial foundation is often overlooked: Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). It’s not just a term, but it’s the most vital for ensuring technology serves humanity, not just the privileged few.
What if a social protection program seamlessly verified eligibility? What if farmers could tap into a network revealing idle machinery and resources? What if justice became accessible through interoperable apps and tele-law?
This is the promise of DPI – a reusable foundation for innovation and inclusion.
The alternative? A fragmented landscape of siloed systems, expensive point solutions, and digital divides that exacerbate existing inequalities.
DPI is more than just technology; it’s a fundamental shift in mindset. It’s frugal, and inclusive. It means that we need to tear down those structures. It’s about:
- Interoperability: Systems that “talk” to each other, breaking down bureaucratic silos. “Operationalizing political will is crucial in this context, as it involves translating commitment into actionable strategies that drive meaningful change.”
- Accessibility: Designed with the needs of all citizens in mind, particularly the marginalized.
- Openness: Built on open standards and APIs, fostering innovation and preventing vendor lock-in.
But let’s be clear: DPI is not a magic bullet. It requires:
- Political Will: A true transformation requires “operationalizing political will”.
- Citizen-Centric Design: Involving users in the development process to ensure relevance and usability.
- Robust Governance: Establishing clear rules and safeguards to protect privacy and prevent abuse.
Countries like India with UPI show that DPI has a strong opportunity for change. Building upon existing innovation blocks (“Lego”) aims to move away from serving the interests of the ruling, rich, and well-connected, towards empowering marginalized communities. It is demonstrated that 70% of the digital transformation projects fail. They fail to be inclusive. They fail to be frugal. They fail to be impactful. They fail to transform. That’s why now is the time to focus on the basic Digital Public Infrastructure.
If we are serious about the transformation with the new technologies, a focus must be given on the Digital Public Infrastructure. Otherwise, these technologies will fail to transform the society.
DPI is not just a technical solution; it’s a moral imperative. It’s about building a digital future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their background or circumstances. Let’s move beyond the hype and focus on the foundation: Digital Public Infrastructure for all.