India’s ‘Digital Public Infrastructure’ a model for global development
A robust digital public infrastructure (DPI), comprising distinctive digital identification, a payments system, and a data exchange layer, holds the promise of driving economic transformation and fostering inclusive growth. India’s own foundational DPI, known as India Stack, has proven instrumental in stimulating innovation and competition.
It has played a key role in expanding markets, bridging gaps in financial inclusion, enhancing government revenue collection, and optimizing public expenditure efficiency. India’s experience in crafting a top-notch DPI serves as a valuable guide for other nations venturing into digital transformation. Notably, the emphasis on shared building blocks and supporting innovation across the ecosystem emerges as a pivotal design approach for the World.
Under the visionary leadership of India’s Presidency, the G20 Digital Economy Working Group has identified DPI as a key priority area. DPI, with its profound impact on social, economic, digital, and sustainable development goals, has emerged as a game-changer for digital economy and its stakeholders. It has opened doors to unparalleled opportunities, fostered innovation, and empowered individuals and communities like never before.
India’s DPI is privately provisioned public infrastructure. The Technology in the DPI has been driven by big tech, it is not about public or private, It’s all about a public interest layer on top of which the private sector is innovating, a unique ecosystem in the entire world.
Key Highlights
UPI’s Global Significance: India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has revolutionized digital payments and is poised to have a significant impact on the rest of the world.
Empowering Citizens: DPIs have played a crucial role in bringing marginalized individuals, such as street vendors, into the formal financial system.
Data Protection and Privacy: India’s approach to DPIs emphasizes data protection and privacy, ensuring that citizens’ data remains secure.
Open Source Infrastructure: India’s commitment to open source technology has prevented the privatization of critical infrastructure and fostered innovation.
Techno-Legal Regulation Act: India’s proposed Techno-Legal Regulation Act will establish a robust framework for governing the use of technology in the public sector.
Global Applicability: India’s DPI experience offers valuable lessons for other countries seeking to develop their own digital infrastructure.
India’s Unique Approach to DPIs
India’s approach to DPIs is characterized by several key principles:
Public Interest: DPIs are developed and implemented with the public interest at the core.
Openness and Interoperability: DPIs are based on open standards and interoperable platforms, enabling seamless integration with various services.
Data Privacy and Security: Data protection and privacy are paramount considerations in the design and implementation of DPIs.
Innovation and Collaboration: India encourages innovation and collaboration between the public and private sectors to develop and enhance DPIs.
MOSIP:
India’s Modular Open Source Identity Platform (MOSIP) stands as a shining example of the country’s commitment to open source technology and inclusive digital identity solutions. MOSIP is a robust and scalable platform that empowers countries to build their own foundational identity systems, enabling individuals to securely access a wide range of services, from financial inclusion to social welfare schemes.
International Institute of Information Technology, Bangalore (IIIT-B), a world-renowned technology university, is anchoring the MOSIP project.
Global Implications:
India’s DPI journey has significant implications for the global development landscape:
Alternative Model: India’s DPIs offer an alternative model to the traditional “big tech” approach, emphasizing public ownership and control of critical infrastructure.
Global Adoption: India’s DPI frameworks and tools, such as MOSIP, can be adapted and implemented by other countries to suit their specific needs.
Accelerated Development: DPIs can accelerate development by enabling efficient and inclusive delivery of public services.
Conclusion:
India’s leadership in DPIs is a testament to its commitment to leveraging technology for social and economic progress. The country’s experience offers valuable insights for other nations seeking to harness the power of technology to transform their societies. As India continues to share its DPI expertise with the world, it is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the global digital landscape.
