Refining the Conceptualization of Digital Public Goods: Distinguishing For-Public from For-Profit Technologies

This research-in-progress paper explores the conceptualization of Digital Public Goods (DPGs) and distinguishes them from for-profit digital technologies. While DPGs are recognized for their societal value, including contributions to global development and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), there remain ambiguities in their definition, ownership, and governance. The paper identifies key attributes of DPGs, such as their non-excludable and non-rivalrous nature, free accessibility, respect for privacy, and reliance on positive network effects to create public value. Through a comparative analysis of “for-profit” and “for-public” paradigms, the paper refines the concept of DPGs, highlighting the differences in ownership, data management, and operational scale. For-profit technologies, typically driven by economic gain, are contrasted with DPGs, which are designed to address societal challenges and require mass adoption to maximize their impact. The study proposes an extended definition of DPGs that clarifies their purpose, governance, and operational model, providing a clearer framework for future research. The paper concludes by proposing avenues for further investigation, including empirical validation through case studies of existing DPGs and examining their role in digital public services and crisis management contexts. By refining the understanding of DPGs, this research aims to contribute to the broader discourse on public value creation and digital equity.