Digital Public Goods
What are DPGs?
Digital public goods are the resources, data sheets, AI models, and software available to all citizens for free contributing to sustainable development. These are non-excludable which means no one is excluded from using these resources and services and non-rivalrous which means they are available and accessible to all communities and one person's use will not diminish their availability for other people in the communities.
Examples of DPGs
OpenAI Models:
These are artificial intelligence models developed and shared openly to advance research, innovation, and accessibility across multiple sectors. E.g. OpenAI's GPT models like ChatGPT
Open Software (Open Source Software):
Open software refers to programs whose source code is made publicly available, allowing anyone to view, modify, and distribute it. This encourages innovation and collaboration. Example: Linux, Android
Open Data:
Open data refers to datasets that are freely available for anyone to use, modify, and share. This openness fosters transparency, innovation, and solutions to global challenges. Example: World Bank Open data
Open Content:
Open content refers to materials (text, images, videos, etc.) that are freely available for anyone to use, share, and often modify. This allows for the broad dissemination of knowledge and creativity. Example: Wikipedia
Open Standards:
Open standards refer to technical standards that are made available for anyone to use, ensuring that different systems and technologies can work together seamlessly. Example HTML & CSS
Why are DPGs important?
Digital Public Goods (DPGs) like OpenAI models, open software, open data, open content, and open standards are incredibly important because they foster innovation, inclusivity, and collaboration on a global scale. Here's why they matter:
1. Promote Innovation and Creativity
Open resources empower anyone to build upon existing tools and knowledge, fuelling
innovation.
Example: Open-source software like Linux allows developers to create
tailored operating systems for everything from personal computers to servers, driving the
evolution of cloud computing and mobile devices.
2. Increase Access and Inclusivity
Open resources break down barriers to entry, making essential tools and knowledge available
to people around the world, regardless of economic or geographic constraints.
Example:
Open educational resources like Khan Academy provide free access to high-quality learning
materials for students who may not have access to traditional education.
3. Foster Collaboration and Global Solutions
This open exchange of ideas and resources leads to more effective and innovative solutions,
especially for global challenges like climate change, public health, and poverty.
Example: Open data from global health organizations enables researchers from different
countries to collaborate on combating diseases, like during the COVID-19 pandemic.
4. Encourage Transparency and Trust
By making information, tools, and data openly available, DPGs promote transparency and
accountability in industries, governments, and organizations.
Example: Open data from
government sources allows citizens to monitor how public funds are used, fostering
transparency and accountability.
5. Drive Economic Growth
Open resources lower the cost of development and innovation by eliminating licensing fees
and providing access to essential tools.
Example: Startups in Africa have built
innovative solutions on top of open-source platforms, driving economic growth and providing
tech solutions tailored to local needs.
6. Ensure Interoperability and Connectivity
Open standards are essential for ensuring that different systems, technologies, and devices
can work together seamlessly.
Example: HTML, an open standard, ensures that websites
are accessible on all devices and browsers, contributing to the growth of the World Wide
Web.
Digital Public Goods Standard
The Digital Public Goods Standard is a set of specifications and guidelines designed to maximise consensus about whether a digital solution conforms to the definition of a digital public good. According to the UN Secretary General's Roadmap for Digital Cooperation, digital public goods are open-source software, open standards, open data, open AI systems, and open content collections that adhere to privacy and other applicable best practices, do no harm, and are of high relevance for attainment of the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Requirements to be a DPG
Below are the 9 indicators and requirements that determine if nominated software, data, AI systems, and/or content collections can be considered a DPG.
1. Relevance to SDGs
The project needs a clear plan for long-term sustainability, ensuring it can continue to advance the sustainable development goals.
2. Use of Approved Open Licenses
The project must use an open-source license, allowing others to freely use, modify, and distribute the solution.
3. Clear Ownership
Ownership of assets that the digital public good produces must be clearly defined and documented. For example, through copyright, trademark, or other publicly available information.
4. Platform Independence
There should be existence of functional, open alternatives that can be used without significant changes to the core product.
5. Documentation
Any educational or informational materials should be openly licensed, making them accessible to everyone.
6. Mechanism for Extracting Data
The project should share data openly, ensuring transparency and enabling others to build upon it.
7. Adherence to Privacy and Applicable Laws
The project must prioritize data privacy and security, protecting users' information and ensuring ethical practices.
8. Adherence to Standards & Best Practices
It must adhere to widely accepted open standards that promote interoperability and accessibility.
9. Do No Harm by Design
It should be designed to avoid causing harm, ensuring the project benefits society without unintended negative consequences.