A key framework concept for digitizing government in the Cloud, via platforms like Microsoft Azure, is ‘Digital Public Infrastructure‘ (DPI).
DPI refers to the integrated suite of technologies that empowers governments to build 21st century digital nations.
It is a wholesale approach, encompassing connectivity, applications, governance and policy, delivering benefits to citizens spanning access to online digital services, enhancing transparency and efficiency, addressing key societal challenges like bridging the digital divide, and accelerating programs such as education and entrepreneurship.
A digital nation strategy directly translates into a thriving digital economy, increasing productivity through automation across industries, and creating new job opportunities in areas such as software development and data analytics. A digitally advanced nation is more competitive in the global market, attracting foreign investment and fostering innovation.
Components of Digital Public Infrastructure
DPI refers to the technological framework and services provided by the government or public sector to facilitate digital interactions and transactions for citizens, businesses, and other entities. DPI aims to enhance accessibility, efficiency, and inclusivity in the delivery of public services and information through digital channels.
As the United Nations describes:
“DPI is an evolving concept, but there is growing consensus on it being a combination of (i) networked open technology standards built for public interest, (ii) enabling governance, and (iii) a community of innovative and competitive market players working to drive innovation, especially across public programmes.”
The World Economic Forum defines that DPI “is a set of shared digital systems that are secure and interoperable, built on open technologies, to deliver equitable access to public and/or private services at a societal scale”, and formed through components including:
- Identity Management: Secure and reliable digital identity verification systems for users.
- Payment Systems: Seamless and secure digital payment platforms for transactions.
- Data Exchange: Infrastructure for secure data sharing and interoperability.
- Service Delivery Platforms: Online portals and applications for accessing public services.
- Open Data Initiatives: Making government data accessible for public use and innovation.
Case Study Reference Examples
The United Nations offers this playbook, where they cite example countries like India, Estonia and Singapore, among others, and how they revolutionize how people interact with technology and services through national digital strategies.
- Estonia’s e-Residency Program: Estonia’s e-Residency program offers a digital identity to non-residents, allowing them to access Estonian services and conduct business online. It provides a secure platform for digital signatures, tax filing, and business registration.
- India’s Aadhaar System: India’s Aadhaar system is a biometric-based digital identity program that has enabled millions of citizens to access government services and benefits online. It serves as a foundation for various digital initiatives in the country.
- Singapore’s Smart Nation Initiative: Singapore’s Smart Nation initiative focuses on leveraging technology to improve public services and urban living. It includes initiatives such as digital payments, data sharing platforms, and smart infrastructure for a connected society.
By investing in Digital Public Infrastructure, governments can enhance transparency, efficiency, and citizen engagement in the digital age.
India’s Digital Trust Ecosystem: An Overview
India in particular has pioneered this approach, even defining “the India Stack“, the moniker for a set of open APIs and digital public goods that aim to unlock the economic primitives of identity, data, and payments at population scale.
Dr Pramod Varma, former Chief Architect India DPI, Co-Creator Beckn Protocol, and Co-Author of The Finternet, discussed the essential building blocks of digital trust ecosystems, and shared learnings on the challenges and approaches to implementing and scaling at population-scale. This presentation happened at the September 5th, 2024 Ecosystem Foundry Working Group of the Trust Over IP Foundation.
