The Second Edition of Policy Watch

November 2024

The DCO presents the second edition of the DCO Policy Watch – a comprehensive resource containing latest trends, developments, and insights in the rapidly evolving field of digital policy. In this edition, we focus on the theme of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), highlighting its transformative role in shaping digital economies, fostering inclusion, and driving sustainable development. The document dives into three critical aspects of DPI: Digital Government, Digital Identity, and Open Data, while providing global and regional updates on digital policy advancements.

  1. Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI):

DPI serves as the backbone of modern digital economies, enabling secure, interoperable, and inclusive digital systems that support the delivery of public and private services at a societal scale. DPI encompasses core elements such as Digital Identity, Payment Systems, and Data Exchange Platforms, playing a pivotal role in fostering digital transformation, inclusion, innovation, and trust.

Key developments in the global discourse around DPI emphasize the importance of secure and sustainable digital ecosystems, underpinned by robust governance frameworks and public-private partnerships. International organizations such as the UN, G20, and OECD continue to drive the conversation forward, advocating for DPI solutions that support economic growth and digital inclusion.

  1. Digital Government:

Governments are leveraging DPI to deliver more efficient, transparent, and accessible public services. This section explores how digital government initiatives improve service delivery, foster citizen engagement, and promote accountability. Case studies from DCO Member States and international benchmarks provide insights into successful strategies that modernize public administration and enhance civic trust.

  1. Digital Identity:

Digital identity systems are crucial for enabling secure access to services, ensuring trust in digital interactions, and promoting financial inclusion. This edition of the DCO Policy Watch highlights how countries are implementing robust digital identity frameworks, showcasing examples from the DCO Member States that are leading in this space. The role of digital identity in advancing secure and inclusive digital economies is underscored as a key component of DPI.

  1. Open Data:

Open Data, especially the Open Government Data (OGD) is unlocking innovation and enhancing transparency in public governance. This section discusses how making data freely accessible fosters collaboration, improves decision-making, and drives economic growth. Global initiatives and success stories in data-driven public service delivery highlight the growing importance of open data policies and platforms.