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Difference between Digital Public Goods and Digital Public Infrastructure
Difference between Digital Public Goods and Digital Public Infrastructure

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We have often heard the terms digital public goods (DPG) and digital public infrastructure (DPI). Many times, they have been used interchangeably and many a times has created confusion. But what is the meaning of these two terms and what is the difference between them.

Digital Public Goods (DPG) are Open-source software with open standards and data, AI models, standards and content that make DPI (digital public infrastructure) an operational reality. Beginning with open data in a machine-readable format, startups and enterprises can build applications and services that utilize that data. They are technology components or building blocks that can be used to create solutions and systems, and these components can be in the form of code, standards, or specifications.

Some examples of DPGs include Beckn protocol, Sunbird, MOSIP etc. based on which DPIs are created and implemented.

 

DPI or Digital Public Infrastructure refers to solutions and systems that enable the effective provision of essential society-wide functions and services in the public and private sectors. Primarily the definition includes -  

  1. a set of shared digital utilities (platforms/networks)
  2. powered by interoperable open standards/specifications
  3. operated under a set of enabling rules (laws/regulations/policies)
  4. providing equal access to individuals and/or institutions
  5. addressing sovereignty and control

This includes but is not limited to digital forms of ID and verification, civil registration, payment (digital transactions and money transfers), data exchange, and information systems (including sector-specific, i.e. health or education).

A country’s digital public infrastructure may include implementations of multiple proprietary and/or open-source solutions (including digital public goods).

Examples of DPIs include Aadhar, UPI etc.

India has successfully addressed several challenges and at a large scale across across various domains - including identity, benefits, credentials, finance, as well as education – through DPIs that was built using open source DPGs, to drive inclusive and exponential transformation that aligns technology, policy and the diverse education ecosystem. For reaching a goal of $1 trillion digital economy in this ‘tech-ade’, DPIs and DPGs are expected to play a significant role.

 

Sources –

  1. https://www.sunbird.org/explore/articles/27-why-dpg-dpi#:~:text=As%20societies%20are%20going%20digital,out%20in%20the%20digital%20domain.
  2. https://digitalpublicgoods.net/DPI-DPG-BB-Definitions.pdf
  3. https://digitalpublicgoods.net/blog/unpacking-concepts-definitions-digital-public-infrastructure-building-blocks-and-their-relation-to-digital-public-goods/

 


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Vandhna Babu
Principal Analyst - Research

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