Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) have played a major role in economic and societal transformation. While identity and payments have emerged as mature pillars of this infrastructure, the third critical pillar – data – remains undefined and underdeveloped. As governments worldwide invest in data systems, from identity authentication to climate forecasting, a critical gap persists: a lack of coherent definitional and governance frameworks for what constitutes data, or data exchanges, as DPI. Without this, efforts to harness data for public good risk being fragmented, inefficient, and vulnerable to new forms of digital dependence.

The urgency of this gap is compounded by the rise of Artificial Intelligence. Data is the essential fuel for AI, as vital as compute and talent. Global competitiveness now hinges on robust, sovereign data infrastructure.

Data exists at a complex intersection of individual rights, corporate confidentiality, and state interests. Unlike the more centralized domains of identity and payments, data is inherently fragmented across governments, companies, and individuals. This necessitates an integrated ecosystem approach that can balance utility with trust, enabling functions like consent and secure sharing across a multitude of data types and use cases. In addition to this, data types, model design, and technical priorities vary by sector and use cases. This divergence adds to the complexity around data and data exchanges.

It is in this context that we are launching a new project, supported by the Gates Foundation, to systematically address this gap and advance a principled, practical framework for data as DPI.

Developing a Holistic Framework for Data Infrastructures

This initiative is driven by the core premise that for data infrastructures to be considered true DPI, they must maximize inclusion, break data silos to unlock value, facilitate innovation in the public interest, and be underpinned by governance that safeguards rights and prevents harm.

Our approach is grounded in Aapti’s longstanding research into data stewardship, digital trust, and DPIs. We move from theoretical research to actionable tools, aiming to create a shared understanding that aligns a currently fragmented global ecosystem. This work will provide the necessary frameworks for stakeholders to make informed, ethical decisions about building data infrastructures that are fit for purpose and context.

Objectives and Outputs: From Theory to Action

The project has three core objectives:

1. To foster global alignment on a shared definition and approach to data as DPI among key ecosystem players.
2. To improve in-country understanding and implementation of data ecosystems, particularly in LMICs – here specifically there is an emphasis on co-designing this with local partners who are familiar with contextual demands.
3. To catalyze a cohesive research and practice ecosystem around a DPI approach to data. To achieve this, we will produce a suite of practical outputs:
4. A Foundational Report and Taxonomy: A comprehensive analysis of the global state of data infrastructures, featuring a taxonomy based on function, use, data type, and sector. This report will provide governance optionality based on democratic principles and explore vital links to AI development and sustainable business models.
5. A Use Case Repository: An ecosystem mapping of stakeholders, processes, and flows for specific use cases. This repository will reveal a universe of design choices and highlight critical questions of sustainability and oversight for governments and businesses.
6. A Self-Assessment for Action Tool: A practical tool to help countries assess their readiness and needs for developing specific data infrastructures. This will guide ministries and agencies in mapping their data ecosystems, identifying infrastructure needs, and understanding market architecture options.

We see this work as a critical step towards realizing the full promise of DPI. By providing a clear framework for the third pillar, we aim to inform investment, guide policy, and ultimately ensure that data infrastructures are designed in a manner that advances responsible innovation in tandem with meaningful economic and social inclusion. We are eager to hear from experts across domains as we build out this project, and if you or anyone you know is interested in this topic, please reach out to us at [email protected] or [email protected].

To follow the development of this project and access the outputs upon their launch, please check our website or follow us on social media.