Social Sciences, Research, Georgetown University

Research Essay: Determinants of Digital Public Infrastructure Implementation

The purpose of this study is to examine the strength of association between population size, digital infrastructure, and state capacity and DPI implementation, with the goal of understanding which of these factors is most closely associated with the implementation of DPI.

Aug 15, 2026

Ishya Jain

Laidlaw Scholar, Georgetown University

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Ishya Jain

Laidlaw Scholar, Georgetown University

Hi! My name is Ishya, and I'm an incoming sophomore at Georgetown University studying International Economics in the School of Foreign Service. I grew up in Dallas, Texas, and I love trying new restaurants (especially Tex-Mex!). This summer, I'm researching the political and economic factors that influence whether countries adopt Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). DPI refers to foundational digital systems, such as digital identity programs, digital payment platforms, and secure data-sharing frameworks, that enable governments to deliver public and private services more efficiently. Through my project, I'm exploring why some countries successfully implement these systems while others face barriers, and how factors like governance, institutional capacity, economic development, and political priorities shape the adoption of digital public infrastructure around the world.