Connecting a school is the first step toward digital transformation. To turn that connection into lasting educational value, countries need shared digital foundations that allow services, data and institutions to work together.
DPI provides a framework for designing interoperable and secure digital systems that support education service delivery. Rather than focusing solely on individual platforms or tools, a DPI approach strengthens the shared digital building blocks – such as identity, registries, data exchange and credentials – that enable systems to work together effectively. By linking school connectivity infrastructure with education-sector data and shared digital components, countries can ensure that connectivity supports a broader and more coherent system of digital service delivery.
Building the Case for Digital Public Infrastructure in Education, developed in support of Giga, explores how interoperable and scalable DPI can provide a shared digital foundation for accessible, coordinated and equitable national education systems. It provides a structured analysis of how foundational digital systems can strengthen education architecture, foster innovation and contribute to the achievement of SDG4.
It examines how DPI can connect school, learner and teacher information across systems; improve education planning through reliable and reusable data; support the trusted recognition and portability of learning records; reduce duplication across digital education investments; and strengthen privacy, cybersecurity and responsible data governance.
DPI provides a framework for designing interoperable and secure digital systems that support education service delivery. Rather than focusing solely on individual platforms or tools, a DPI approach strengthens the shared digital building blocks – such as identity, registries, data exchange and credentials – that enable systems to work together effectively. By linking school connectivity infrastructure with education-sector data and shared digital components, countries can ensure that connectivity supports a broader and more coherent system of digital service delivery.
Building the Case for Digital Public Infrastructure in Education, developed in support of Giga, explores how interoperable and scalable DPI can provide a shared digital foundation for accessible, coordinated and equitable national education systems. It provides a structured analysis of how foundational digital systems can strengthen education architecture, foster innovation and contribute to the achievement of SDG4.
It examines how DPI can connect school, learner and teacher information across systems; improve education planning through reliable and reusable data; support the trusted recognition and portability of learning records; reduce duplication across digital education investments; and strengthen privacy, cybersecurity and responsible data governance.
Why DPI Matters for Connected Schools
As more schools come online, the focus shifts from access to integration. Without interoperable digital foundations, connected schools may rely on fragmented systems that limit scalability and long-term sustainability.
A DPI approach helps countries:
A DPI approach helps countries:
- Strengthen coherence across digital education systems
- Reduce fragmentation and duplication
- Support trusted recognition of learning
- Embed safeguards for privacy and security
- Enable innovation within a stable public architecture
By combining connectivity with strong digital foundations, education systems can evolve in a secure, scalable and sustainable way.
Let’s build a connected future together
