The Principles for Digital Development underwent a refresh in March 2024. As part of this process – and in consultation with over 300 members of the global Digital Principles community – we reflected on all the ways our understanding of digital technology’s impact on society has evolved in the 10 years since the Digital Principles were created.
While the Digital Principles are not meant to be understood in any specific order, it is fitting that “Understand the existing ecosystem” is listed first. This principle outlines a critical first step before beginning the initial phases of a project, policy, or initiative. Among the nine principles, “Understand the existing ecosystem” also stands out for maintaining both its original name and fundamental spirit from 2014. However, the community updated the corresponding description to reflect technology’s growing influence across all aspects of life. So, why is this principle so crucial, and how does it help advance the impact of digital development initiatives? Let’s dive in!
What should be considered as part of the digital ecosystem?
When we talk about digital ecosystems, we are not just referring to technology and digital infrastructure. A healthy digital ecosystem encompasses cultural and gender norms, social power dynamics, economic factors, political landscapes, and technological capabilities. It also includes the existing legal and regulatory policies that govern the ecosystem. Further, it entails other players or stakeholders working in the same space and undertaking similar efforts or tackling similar problems. All of these factors have the potential to influence adoption and uptake. Understanding this complex web is essential for building the trust that will ultimately determine the success or lack thereof for any technology-led initiative.
Consider this scenario: A project team launches a new agricultural app in rural Ghana, aiming to revolutionize fruit crops value-chain management. Despite cutting-edge technology and ample funding, the app fails to gain traction. Why? The team overlooked crucial aspects of the local context – from gender dynamics affecting mobile phone access to established farming practices that the app unintentionally disrupted.
Consider another example: In a South Asian country, a government agency launches a digital ID system for public healthcare access. Despite having a recently enacted data protection law, the initiative faces significant challenges. Two years into implementation, when citizens report identity theft and unauthorized health data access, officials discover a critical gap: while the law exists, no data protection authority has been established to enforce it or handle complaints. The oversight leads to decreased public trust and hinders the system’s effectiveness. This scenario illustrates why understanding the complete policy implementation landscape, not just the existence of regulations, is crucial for digital development success.
Digital ecosystems are dynamic. They require consistent examination and re-examination.
It’s crucial to remember that digital ecosystems aren’t static. They’re living, breathing entities that evolve over time. As one digital development practitioner based in Nairobi put it: “The digital landscape here changes so rapidly. What worked last year might be obsolete today. We need to constantly reassess and adapt our approach to stay relevant.“
This dynamic nature means that understanding the ecosystem isn’t a one-time task – it’s an ongoing process of learning and adaptation. So, how can we put this principle into action? Here are some practical steps:
- Conduct thorough research: Go beyond desk research. Engage in on-the-ground ethnographic studies to truly understand the context. This deep understanding reduces possibilities of unintended consequences, such as exclusion, loss of trust, or reinforcement of harmful power dynamics and gender norms in the society by your technology-led initiative.
- Engage stakeholders: Talk to local communities, government officials, and other relevant stakeholders who are likely to be impacted by your initiative. Their insights are invaluable.
- Map the ecosystem: Create a visual representation of the various factors at play in your digital ecosystem. This can help identify potential challenges and opportunities.
- Stay flexible: Be prepared to adapt your approach based on what you learn about the ecosystem.
- Continually assess and analyze the ecosystem: Regularly reassess the ecosystem to validate assumptions and adapt to changing dynamics, as digital environments are constantly evolving. This will prevent tunnel vision and ensure consideration of any other variables that will determine the adoption.
Understanding the digital ecosystem is key to creating digital solutions, systems, policies, and interventions that truly make a difference. It’s about seeing beyond the technology to the context, needs, and aspirations of the people whose lives we’re aiming to improve.
Do you have stories, guidance, or case studies that illustrate how understanding ecosystems has led to successful initiatives? Get in touch! We’re building out the library of resources to support adoption of the Digital Principals across the diverse community of stakeholders working in various sectors. And, we encourage everyone in the community to contribute. Together, we can build a digital future that works for everyone – one that’s rooted in a deep understanding of ecosystems and communities.
