The DPI Dividend: Catalysing Innovation for the Global South
 
India’s model of digital public infrastructure (DPI) is driving the country’s digital transformation and spurring innovation at an unprecedented pace. Building atop DPI layers, several Indian startups have become unicorns and are competing head-to-head with Big Tech. Indonesia, too, has championed the DPI model, with its digital ID, payments, and data exchange systems catalysing innovation and establishing themselves as regional good practices. Recognising DPI’s impact on entrepreneurship and innovation, and learning from each other, Indonesia, India, Brazil and South Africa have promoted DPI adoption during their respective G20 presidencies. As a result, a wide range of countries across the Global South today are building DPIs, and certain advanced economies, too, have expressed interest in helping implement DPI in third countries as a tool for growth.

• What core features of DPI help innovation thrive?
• How is DPI helping attract investments for startups in sectors such as fintech and e-commerce?
• How are DPIs being funded, and what is the quantum of funding across different geographies?
• What kinds of regulation—whether light-touch or more interventionist—tend to support DPIs more effectively?