Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the DPGA focused on open source?

Many types of digital technologies and content – from data to apps, data visualisation tools to educational curricula – could accelerate achievement of the SDGs. When they are freely and openly available, with minimal restrictions on how they can be distributed, adapted and reused, we can think of them as “digital public goods”. In economics, a “public good” is something which anyone can use without charge and without preventing others from using it. Digital content and technologies lend themselves to being public goods in this respect.”Report of the UN Secretary General’s High Level Panel on Digital CooperationThis  guidance necessitates that software, content and data must be possible to use independently of any particular vendor to be considered as digital public goods. Open licensing is a necessary, albeit not always sufficient, precondition for ensuring this. The minimum criteria for digital public goods also include other aspects, such as interoperability.

How does the DPGA address issues of connectivity?

Being connected to the Internet is vital for the organization and distribution of digital public goods. If there is no connectivity, there is no digital, and, reversely, digital access has limited value without access to relevant content. However, nearly half the world’s population is still not using the internet and remain disconnected from digital products and information that could dramatically improve their lives. The UN Secretary General’s High-level Panel on Digital Cooperation highlights issues around connectivity and the DPGA works closely with the Giga initiative to connect every school to the Internet as a critical partner in delivering on our mission.

How long will it take for my project to be assessed?

We are still in the process of developing a fair, open and scaleable process to review and vet projects as digital public goods and it may take several months for us to review and process a nominated project. One thing you can do to speed up the process is to complete this form, providing additional information about your project. The more complete information we have the faster we’re able to assess and vet projects.

What happens after a project is recognized as a “DPG” by the DPGA?

We are constantly adding additional offerings to support vetted digital public goods, here is a quick summary of the current and upcoming benefits to recognized digital public goods.

Current:

  • Assessed projects will be informed by the DPGA.
  • Displayed on the DPGA  website.
  • Announced through the DPGA’s blog and mailing lists.
  • The project’s designation will be reflected on connected platforms such as DIAL’s digital public goods catalog where it can easily be discovered by implementers, partners and funders.
  • Projects are empowered to describe themselves as approved DPGs by the DPGA.
  • Projects are encouraged to work with the DPGA to identify other means of support to amplify the project, brand and mission.

Upcoming:

  • We are working with additional partners to establish visual icons and indicators to increase the discoverability and prominence of vetted digital public goods.
  • We are improving the formality and structure of the website to make reviewed DPGs more prominent and discoverable.
  • Recognized DPGs will be eligible to be included in additional assessments by communities of experts seeking to make recommendations specifically to government procurers and funding bodies.
  • Additional offerings for recognized DPGs including mentorship, consultation, and funding.

Where can I track the progress of my submission?

Once a project becomes a nominee you can see its progress through the assessment process in this public GitHub Repo. A pull request will be open for each stage of the process (one to become a candidate and another to become a fully vetted digital public good), which we will progressively update as we review and validate the information provided. Thus, you will be able to track the vetting process as it unfolds.

Why should I participate in the DPGA?

The goal of the DPGA is to promote Digital Public Goods in order to create a more equitable world. Participating in the nomination process increases the visibility, support for and prominence of an open project that is contributing positively to the world. It also makes you a pioneering contributor to the establishment of this DPGA so that we can expand our impact and reach to support even more digital public goods.