Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) is a lesser-known concept that has had a mammoth impact, improving millions of lives across the globe.
As a starting point, think of DPI as a building block (a rather important one) for digital governance. A block that would enable policymakers, administrators and bureaucrats around the world to convert their vision into reality.
What is Digital Public Infrastructure?
DPI is like the final piece of a digital jigsaw puzzle. It acts as a meeting point for the physical aspects of digital infra like a broadband network and specialized apps which are created as a public good (like the local transport network app).
The key elements of DPI ensure that the system operates in a smooth and efficient manner. To better explain this, we shall take a closer look at the different elements and bring it all together in the end:
#1. Identity Systems.
Identity systems are the starting points of a DPI. Without a robust and expansive identity system, governments would have a hard time setting up a successful DPi. The key is to have an identity system that is secure and easily verifiable.
When combined with biometric security systems, identity systems could help curtail crime by improving the effectiveness and reach of law enforcement. In developing countries, these systems could also improve the delivery of welfare schemes by eliminating the corrupt middleman.
The most powerful example of the successful implementation of an identity system can be found in India where more than a billion people have been successfully onboarded, leading to better outcomes by linking with a host of auxiliary services like subsidised food, direct bank transfers, medical card, voting access and business permits.
#2. Data Exchange Platforms.
Once identities have been established, the data can be put to good use by sharing it with the relevant public and private players. This is where Data Exchange Platforms (DEPs) come into the picture.
DEPs enable safe and secure sharing of relevant data while ensuring privacy and transparency. For example, the EU’s Single Digital Gateway enables cross-border sharing of data for faster access to public services across EU countries.
Due to this, a German national travelling in France can easily obtain a driving permit while in Marseille. Similarly in Australia, the Open Banking Platform allows banks to share their customer’s info (with their consent) with relevant third-party financing services like insurance providers and budgeting apps.
This enables a more personalised experience for the user, with their consent.
#3. Digital Payment System.
All the accumulated identity and data could be linked to a bank account to launch a seamless digital payment system. This would not only promote e-businesses but also ensure there are no leakages i.e. corruption when government scheme beneficiaries receive their due amount.
Once again, India shines in this domain with their hugely successful launch of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI). UPI has enabled instant bank-to-bank transfers through mobile apps.
The system recently set a new record by crossing a mind-boggling 500 million transactions per day in September 2024. Australia too has its own version through innovations like BPay, POLi Pay & Osko.
#4. e-Governance Platforms.
e-Gov platforms are the places where citizens go to get access to government services. They can be department-specific portals, websites or apps that show the different services available to the citizens.
Australia has a myriad variety of slick and modern platforms for different use cases. There are general websites like myGov which provide access to a huge umbrella of different services.
There are department-specific websites as well like ATO & DOT that have very specific use cases. There are also state as well as city-specific websites that cater to a certain geographic area, like Service NSW.
#5. Digital Public Goods.
DPGs are public assets on the internet. They are open-source and could be used by anyone for the benefit of the society.
Some popular examples from the world of tech would include Linux (Computer Operating System), Signal (Messaging App), CKan (Open Data Platform) and even Wikipedia (digital encyclopedia).
Governments across the world would also rely on such open-source tools to build DPI. Some tools would include SORMAS (Surveillance Outbreak Response Management and Analysis System), KoboToolbox (Data Collection Platform), Mojaloop (Digital Payments) and OpenStreetMap (OSM).
These tools help governments bring their vision to life in a faster and more cost-effective manner.
#6. Data Protection Frameworks.
Having sensitive citizen data leaked could prove to be a major liability. Data Protection Frameworks would not only include policies but also systems and processes that would ensure the security of sensitive data.
Estonia has acted as a trailblazer in this space by integrating blockchain with its public health data Set up as early as 2008 when blockchain was barely a part of the mainstream lexicon, Estonia has shown the security benefits of using blockchain, with its KSI Blockchain, also used by NATO and the U.S. Department of Defense.
The EU on the other hand has been a leading light on the legislation front. Its landmark passing of the GDPR has set a high benchmark for the privacy of public data.
#7. Physical Infrastructure.
The Digital Public Infrastructure would be incomplete with its physical counterpart backing it up. Having a reliable cloud computing network to let the process flow would be of paramount importance in building trust and acceptance.
Modern data centres within the country would ensure the safety of public data. On the citizen side, access to reasonably priced internet through broadband and mobile internet would enhance accessibility.
Australia still has progress to make on this front with the country sliding down from 58th to 72nd in Internet Quality Rankings.
Putting It All Together
As you can see, Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) is key to accessible public services. It includes identity systems for service delivery, data exchange platforms for secure data access, digital payment systems to support welfare and enterprise, and e-governance platforms for easy access to government services.
Digital Public Goods enable scalability, while data protection frameworks build trust. Physical infrastructure ensures smooth operations. As governments adopt digital technologies, DPI serves as a framework to manage them effectively.
For individuals, skilling up in relevant areas, from engineering to students completing an asset management course is essential to thrive in this digital era.