“Digital Public Infrastructure” at a Turning Point from Definitions to Motivations

Author: Mila Samdub

Abstract

This paper examines the evolution of the concept of “digital public infrastructure”, tracing a
history from an initial phase of openness through the phase of global popularization to a
current phase of localization. It highlights the consolidation of a dominant model based on
digital identity, payments and data exchanges driven by a coalition of funders, policymakers, and
technology stakeholders.