Project Liberty Institute and the Global Solutions Initiative are pleased to release the intermediary report, “Digital Infrastructure Solutions to Advance Data Agency in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: How Can Governments Catalyze Positive Digital Infrastructure Innovation?”
This report builds on insights gathered during consultations at the Paris Peace Forum, where 30 experts—including policymakers, academics, and business leaders—shared perspectives on governance, business models, and best practices for digital infrastructure solutions. Their contributions highlight the importance of government leadership and multistakeholder collaboration in fostering a fair and inclusive digital economy.
Key Insights: Why Digital Infrastructure Matters
Data is the lifeblood of the digital economy, shaping who benefits from technological progress. The report underscores how digital infrastructure—including identity systems, payment platforms, and data exchanges—can transform sectors by enhancing accessibility, efficiency, and sustainability. However, market concentration among dominant tech platforms raises critical questions about competition, individual control, and equity.
Governments are uniquely positioned to act as both regulators and market shapers, driving innovation while ensuring a fair distribution of digital power. By establishing standards, investing in infrastructure, and fostering open ecosystems under robust governance frameworks, governments can pave the way for inclusive growth and trust in technology.
Governments as Catalysts for Innovation
One of the report’s central themes is the call for governments to push the adoption of decentralized, transparent, and inclusive frameworks to prevent more extractive, centralized digital models. Key global frameworks such as the UN’s Global Digital Compact and the G20’s Digital Public Infrastructure principles provide a solid starting point. Yet, challenges remain in harmonizing definitions, enabling interoperability, and reconciling regional differences.
Artificial intelligence is also highlighted as a transformative force, already embedded within digital infrastructure. From predictive analytics to smart networks and API-driven architectures, AI offers opportunities to enhance scalability and functionality. However, its integration must prioritize equity and accountability.
The Path Forward
This intermediary report is just the beginning. Its initial findings will guide the next phase of our initiative, including a second high-level consultation at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., on March 31st, 2025. These discussions will culminate in a Toolkit for Catalyzing Digital Infrastructure Solutions for Data Agency, providing governments and stakeholders with actionable strategies to advance equitable digital ecosystems.
The final recommendations will feature prominently in key global forums, including the Global Solutions Summit 2025 in Berlin as well as the G7 and G20 processes.
This initiative challenges us to rethink how we govern and design the digital world. As we strive to build a digital ecosystem centered around people, we invite policymakers, academics, civil society, and innovators to engage with us by sending your feedback or participating in the upcoming consultation.