This research and policy engagement project sees Research ICT Africa (RIA) and InternetLab come together to bridge the gaps between Digital Public Infrastructure’s (DPI) technical implementation and its just democratic governance. Drawing on Brazil and South Africa as its primary case studies, the project aims to balance DPI’s current technical focus by emphasising its governance dimensions, citizen experiences, and potential equitable outcomes.
With recognition of DPI’s potential for sustainable development, the project will analyse DPI landscapes and citizen journeys to develop evidence-based policy recommendations to improve the democratic impact of DPI projects across both Brazil and South Africa. This project will leverage platforms such as the G20, the Global Digital Compact, and the African Internet Governance Forum to influence national, regional, and international policy discussions on DPI. The goal is to ensure DPI frameworks in the Global South are inclusive, accountable, and rooted in local needs, contributing to a more robust understanding and implementation of DPI for public value.
Methodology
The project will leverage desktop research and interviews to map the DPI landscape in both countries, and then conduct an analysis of Digital ID in DPI. Based upon this map, researchers will then design and conduct citizen journey mapping to illustrate the pathways and barriers citizens face when engaging with digital ID in DPI. On the basis of this research component, policy recommendations developed will be integrated into a DPI School and workshopped through design sprints, then disseminated in governmental and academic fora.
Research Objectives
- Research: Develop a more robust and nuanced understanding of DPI infrastructure, systems, and data that can generate public value through fair, equitable, and democratic implementation approaches.
- Policy recommendations and advocacy: Develop recommendations and support advocacy to advance accessibility, broad stakeholder engagement, and robust legal and regulatory frameworks that support equitable, rights-respecting DPI. These recommendations will be grounded in citizen experiences and will address the gaps between technically-driven DPI approaches and those that prioritise justice, equity, and democratic values. In both Brazil and South Africa, the project aims to make timely contributions to the development of democratic DPI governance frameworks aligned with ongoing implementation efforts.
- Capacity support: Develop and deliver participatory, iterative, future-oriented capacity support and resources for policymakers, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders to enhance understanding of the complex governance challenges and societal impacts of DPI that will foster engagement, generate innovative solutions, and build a shared vision for DPI governance.
