ADB: Digital Public Infrastructure as a Foundation for Inclusive Growth and Service Delivery
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure | SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Institutions: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology | NITI Aayog
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) highlights digital public infrastructure (DPI) as a key enabler for inclusive growth and resilient economies in Asia and the Pacific. DPI comprises digital identity, digital payments, and interoperable data systems, which facilitate efficient service delivery and social inclusion. Studies cited by ADB suggest DPI can reduce administrative costs by up to 50%, improve service delivery by 30β40%, and increase financial inclusion by up to 60% in low- and middle-income countries.
ADB identifies three critical steps for DPI adoption: establishing core foundations (civil registration, digital IDs, payments, data exchange), building trust through cybersecurity and governance frameworks, and integrating DPI across sectors such as health, education, social protection, agriculture, and utilities. Early implementations, including direct benefit transfers, electronic health records, and digital education registries, help demonstrate tangible benefits and encourage wider adoption.
Relevant question for policy stakeholders: How can digital public infrastructure be systematically implemented to ensure secure, inclusive, and sector-wide adoption that maximizes efficiency and inclusion?
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https://blogs.adb.org/blog/three-steps-drive-digital-growth-asia-and-pacific