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Description The Global Development Network (GDN) has launched a call for national research teams to assess the inclusivity of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) systems across Low- and Middle-Income Countries. The programme focuses on assessing how inclusive existing DPI systems are, identifying who is reached and who is excluded, understanding the reasons behind exclusion, implementing a structured comparative quantitative survey, conducting participatory research through deep-dive studies, generating evidence for policy discussions, and contributing to national and global debates on inclusive digital systems. Digital Public Infrastructure, including systems such as digital identity and digital payments, is increasingly central to government efforts aimed at improving service delivery, financial inclusion, and economic growth. However, despite rapid expansion, there remains limited evidence on the real-world socioeconomic impacts of these systems, particularly on vulnerable and marginalized populations in the Global South. This initiative seeks to address this gap by supporting locally grounded research that can generate actionable insights. Through this call, five national research teams will be selected to adapt and implement a global methodological framework within their respective countries. These teams will examine DPI systems that have been operational for at least one year and analyze their inclusivity by collecting both quantitative and qualitative data. The research will also include participatory approaches designed by the teams to capture deeper, context-specific experiences of exclusion. In addition to research, the programme emphasizes advocacy and policy engagement. Selected teams will actively share their findings with policymakers, stakeholders, and the public, contributing to informed discussions on how DPI systems can be improved to ensure broader inclusion. This effort also aims to institutionalize evidence-based approaches to measuring inclusivity across countries. Eligible applicants include multidisciplinary research teams affiliated with universities, research institutes, or think tanks in Low- to Upper-Middle Income Countries. Teams should demonstrate expertise in digital governance, socio-economic research, survey implementation, and policy engagement. Consortia are also encouraged to apply, provided they function as a single cohesive team. The selected projects are expected to begin by 2 September 2026 and will run for a duration of six to eight months. Each team may receive funding of up to USD 50,000 to support research activities, dissemination, and translation where necessary. Beyond financial support, participants will gain access to GDN’s global research network and increased visibility through its communication platforms.

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