Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) is increasingly recognized as a foundational tool for social and economic participation. However, for DPI systems to succeed and scale effectively, they must overcome a host of inclusion barriers—technical, legal, cultural, and social. A recent roundtable by Brookings and Co-Develop brought together global stakeholders to identify actionable strategies to make DPI more equitable and efficient.
Six strategic steps to boost Equity in DPI systems include:
1. Design with the Marginalized in Mind
Traditional DPI systems often serve a “generic user,” neglecting groups like women, the elderly, rural residents, and people with disabilities. To overcome this, DPI must adopt user-centric design practices. Inclusive interfaces, multilingual options, offline functionality, and assisted-use features can reduce adoption barriers. Projects in Kenya, Ethiopia, and Norway highlight successful examples of tailoring DPI to excluded populations.
2. Challenge Inequitable Social Norms
Digital exclusion often stems from deep-rooted social norms, especially around gender. For example, women may face stigma or lack autonomy in using digital services. Community programs like India’s Internet Saathi are tackling these issues by promoting peer-to-peer digital literacy. Broader strategies include bringing DPI services to familiar, female-friendly environments and engaging trusted local influencers to drive adoption.
3. Empower Frontline Workers and Local Innovators
The success of DPI depends heavily on those delivering it—local bureaucrats, healthcare workers, and agents. Equipping these frontline actors with cultural sensitivity and technical tools can drive deeper inclusion. Examples like India’s ASHA workers and local administrators show how grassroots innovation and training amplify DPI’s impact.
4. Build Trust Through Privacy and Control
Marginalized groups face higher risks from data misuse. DPI systems should offer granular data consent, limited retention, and decentralized authentication to give users control over their digital identity, thereby building confidence and safety.
5. Frame Investment Around Long-Term Inclusion
Current DPI financing models often prioritize short-term returns. A more sustainable approach would quantify DPI’s inclusive benefits—economic efficiency, improved services, and market creation—helping shift focus from profit to purpose.
6. Prioritize User Experience Research
Real-time, inclusive research methods can identify pain points and barriers early. Governments should track disaggregated data on access and outcomes, ensuring DPI systems continually adapt to serve all segments of society.
