Commentary
Can Digital Commons Offer a Way Forward for a European DPI Agenda?
Authors Dr. Emrys Schoemaker, Nicholas Gates
Digital public infrastructure (DPI) is emerging as a foundation for digital governance—core systems like digital ID, payments, and data exchange that support service delivery at scale. While DPI is often linked to open-source digital public goods, private sector interest is growing, raising concerns around control, interoperability, and vendor lock-in.
A European vision for DPI, rooted in a digital commons, offers a path forward. By focusing on openness, public ownership, and sovereignty, Europe can provide alternatives to proprietary models and promote infrastructure that serves the common good. Initiatives like eIDAS 2.0, Gaia-X, and Common European Data Spaces point the way.
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