Khul Ja Sim Sim

Open is Future of Digital Ecosystem

This season of giving, I would like urge you to spread the joy, by giving back to the community and bringing a smile to as many fellow citizens as possible. 

Go ahead and make that contribution. Now is usually the right time.

And, if somebody forwarded this email to you, please sign up for an awesome, disintermediated, and fruitful relationship by clicking on the following link and subscribing to the newsletter.

AND if you are a friend of the RPML, gift it to others. You can add more of your friends to the Community of Platform’ed by using the following link.

Also, Whitelist this email address. It prevents the emails from going to spam:

• Gmail Web: Hover over the icon at top of the email > Add to Contact List

• Gmail Mobile: 3 grey dots > Move to > Primary

DTW

During the week, major tech players including Google, Meta Platforms, and Qualcomm joined forces to create the Coalition for Open Digital Ecosystems (CODE). This collaboration aims to advocate for open digital environments in response to upcoming EU tech regulations. By fostering more openness in platforms and systems, CODE seeks to stimulate growth and innovation across Europe. This united front from industry giants also suggests a proactive stance to potentially influence future legislation in the tech sector.

I have written about open platforms in earlier issues of the newsletter. We have seen the success of open platforms in identity, financial inclusion, healthcare, and now most likely in commerce. The idea of platforms to create an economic model of utilizing under-utilized assets is useful and certainly pertinent for a developing economy like India. We have already demonstrated our digital and political economy expertise in developing and implementing four initiatives in E-commerce (Open Network for Digital Commerce ), biometrics-based identification (AADHAAR), financial services (Unified Payment Interface), and health care (COWIN/ ABHA). While Identity, Financial Inclusion, and Health are truly public goods still the most ambitious and transformative public digital technology platform could be Open Network for Digital Commerce.

The government of India hopes that ONDC, an open technology, based on an open protocol will enable local and small businesses across segments, such as mobility, grocery, food order, and delivery, hotel booking, and travel, among others, to be discovered and engaged by any network-enabled application across the country. ONDC tries to move beyond the current tech platform-centric online commerce model where the buyer and seller are forced to use the same platform or mobile application to be digitally visible and complete a business transaction. ONDC through its protocols aims to standardize platform operations like digital cataloging, inventory management, order management, and order fulfillment amongst others. This would ensure that the small businesses are able to use any ONDC-compatible applications instead of being forced to follow any specific platform-centric policies. This will benefit small businesses as they would have multiple options to be discovered over network and conduct business.

India stands at the forefront of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) development, leveraging it to drive extensive adoption of digital payments, establish robust data-sharing infrastructures, and fuel the growth of its e-commerce sector. This strategic approach has not only propelled domestic businesses but has also been a catalyst for entrepreneurship. The implementation of DPI, if executed effectively, holds the promise of igniting innovation and addressing market bottlenecks globally. By laying the groundwork for a digital ecosystem, India has showcased how DPI can act as a transformative force, fostering economic development and technological advancement. The emphasis on digital payments and data infrastructure positions India as a key player in the evolution of a digitally empowered and interconnected world.

We can understand the power of DPIS to unlock enormous opportunities through OPEN acronym.

O - Open Digital Ecosystems: DPI fosters Open Digital Ecosystems, promoting collaboration and interoperability among diverse stakeholders. It ensures inclusivity and accessibility, driving innovation across sectors.

P - Public Participation: DPI encourages Public Participation by engaging citizens in digital platforms, creating a transparent and inclusive environment for decision-making. It empowers individuals to actively contribute to the digital landscape.

E - Economic Empowerment: Open Networks under DPI lead to Economic Empowerment by providing equal opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs. It stimulates competition, driving economic growth and job creation.

N - Network Resilience: DPI emphasizes Network Resilience, creating robust and secure digital infrastructures. Open Networks enhance adaptability, ensuring sustainability in the face of evolving technological challenges.

In summary, DPI, represented by the OPEN acronym, serves as a transformative force, shaping digital landscapes that are open, participatory, economically empowering, and resilient. This framework not only unlocks immediate opportunities but also establishes a foundation for sustained growth and innovation.

OTW

Over the Weekend, my running community Peerancheruvu Runners organised our 9th Anniversary Run which saw participation from over 900 runners.

Our running group aims to promote running as a get-fit-for-life activity and has grown to over 200 runners in the last 10 years. We train new runners, young and old, through programs like “Couch to 5K” and “Outdoor Kids” (initiatives of Hyderabad Runners Society) and our own ActiveWinter program. We organize PBEL CITY Hyderabad Winter Half Run every December of the year which is open to community as well as to outside runners. This event covers 5K, 10K & Half Marathon distances and is one of the best organized runs in Hyderabad. Our annual PBEL City Hyderabad Winter Half has become an integral part of Hyderabad Running calendar and we look forward to hosting runners to a morning of run, fun, music, camaraderie and food.

Samavesh and Icfai Business School Runners have been an integral part of our run over last few years. Thanks for joining us this year as well for a fun filled and memorable evening.

As we enter the final two weeks of the 2023, it is time to refresh and rejuvenate. Would be in Belgaum/Pune in the last week of 2023 and would love to catch up if you are around.

I Love You

Shailendra