Deadline: 15-May-2026
The Global Development Network (GDN) is inviting national research teams in Low- to Upper-Middle-Income Countries to assess how inclusive Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) systems are in their countries. Five teams will be selected, each eligible for up to USD 50,000, to conduct 6–8 months of mixed-method research starting by 2 September 2026 on who benefits from DPI systems and who is excluded.
What Is the GDN DPI Research Call?
The Global Development Network (GDN) has launched a call for national research teams to study the inclusivity of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) systems across Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs).
The programme supports country-level research on:
- How inclusive current DPI systems are
- Which groups are included or excluded
- Why exclusion happens
- How evidence can improve digital inclusion policy
What Is Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)?
Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) refers to foundational digital systems that support public services and economic participation.
Examples include:
- Digital identity systems
- Digital payments systems
- Public digital platforms for service delivery
- Interoperable digital systems used by governments
Why DPI Matters
DPI is increasingly important for:
- Better public service delivery
- Financial inclusion
- Digital governance
- Economic growth
- Social protection access
However, there is still limited evidence on whether these systems truly benefit vulnerable and marginalized communities.
Purpose of the Programme
This initiative aims to generate locally grounded, policy-relevant evidence on whether DPI systems are inclusive in practice.
Core Objectives
Selected teams will:
- Assess existing DPI systems
- Identify who is reached and who is excluded
- Analyze the reasons for exclusion
- Conduct a structured comparative quantitative survey
- Carry out participatory deep-dive research
- Produce evidence for policy discussions and advocacy
- Contribute to national and global debates on inclusive digital systems
What Will Selected Teams Do?
Five national research teams will be selected to adapt and implement a global methodological framework in their own countries.
Research Activities
Teams will study DPI systems operational for at least one year and collect:
- Quantitative data through comparative surveys
- Qualitative data through contextual analysis
- Participatory evidence through deep-dive studies
This mixed-method approach will help capture both measurable outcomes and lived experiences of exclusion.
Policy Engagement
This is not only a research grant. Selected teams must also:
- Share findings with policymakers
- Engage stakeholders and institutions
- Support public discussion on digital inclusion
- Help improve evidence-based policy on DPI systems
Funding and Timeline
Grant Amount
Each selected team may receive:
- Up to USD 50,000
Project Duration
Selected projects are expected to:
- Start by 2 September 2026
- Run for 6 to 8 months
Funding Can Support
- Research activities
- Dissemination of findings
- Translation (if needed)
- Policy engagement efforts
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible applicants are:
- Multidisciplinary national research teams
- Affiliated with:
- Universities
- Research institutes
- Think tanks
Eligible Country Group
Teams should be based in:
- Low-income countries
- Lower-middle-income countries
- Upper-middle-income countries
Required Expertise
Teams should show strength in:
- Digital governance
- Socio-economic research
- Survey implementation
- Mixed-method research
- Policy engagement
- Stakeholder communication
Are Consortia Allowed?
Yes. Consortia are encouraged, as long as they operate as one cohesive team.
Why This Opportunity Matters
This call addresses a major gap in global development research.
Key Importance
Although DPI is expanding rapidly, there is still limited evidence on:
- Its real-world socioeconomic impact
- Whether it improves inclusion
- Which populations remain excluded
- How digital systems may unintentionally deepen inequality
This programme helps produce:
- Actionable policy evidence
- Country-specific insights
- Cross-country comparability
- Better digital inclusion strategies
How to Apply
The source text does not include the official deadline, portal, or required documents, so applicants should verify these on the official GDN call page.
Recommended Steps
- Review the official call
- Confirm eligibility, deadline, and submission requirements
- Build a strong team
- Include expertise in DPI, surveys, socio-economic research, and policy engagement
- Select a relevant DPI system
- It must be operational for at least one year
- Develop a clear research plan
- Explain who may be excluded and how you will measure this
- Design a mixed-method approach
- Combine quantitative, qualitative, and participatory methods
- Create a dissemination strategy
- Show how findings will reach policymakers and stakeholders
- Prepare a realistic budget
- Keep it within the USD 50,000 limit
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing a DPI system that is too new
- Submitting a proposal that is only academic and lacks policy relevance
- Failing to explain who is excluded and why
- Weak survey or fieldwork capacity
- Ignoring participatory research methods
- Submitting unclear consortium roles
- Providing a weak dissemination plan
Key Terms Explained
Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)
Core digital systems such as digital ID and payments that support public services and inclusion.
Inclusivity
The extent to which different population groups can access, use, and benefit from a system fairly.
Participatory Research
Research that actively involves affected communities to better understand lived experiences.
Mixed-Methods Research
A research design that combines quantitative and qualitative evidence.
Quick Facts
- Organizer: Global Development Network (GDN)
- Opportunity Type: Research funding / call for proposals
- Focus Area: Inclusive Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)
- Number of Teams: 5
- Funding: Up to USD 50,000 per team
- Project Start: By 2 September 2026
- Duration: 6–8 months
- Who Can Apply: Research teams from universities, research institutes, or think tanks
- Country Scope: Low- to Upper-Middle-Income Countries
- Methods Required: Quantitative + qualitative + participatory research
FAQ
1. What is the main purpose of this GDN call?
The call supports research on how inclusive existing Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) systems are, especially for vulnerable and marginalized populations.
2. How many teams will be selected?
Five national research teams will be selected.
3. How much funding is available?
Each selected team may receive up to USD 50,000.
4. Who can apply?
Multidisciplinary teams affiliated with universities, research institutes, or think tanks in eligible countries can apply.
5. What type of DPI systems can be studied?
Teams should study existing DPI systems—such as digital identity or digital payments—that have been operational for at least one year.
6. Is policy engagement required?
Yes. Teams are expected to share findings with policymakers, stakeholders, and the public.
7. When do projects start and how long do they last?
Projects are expected to begin by 2 September 2026 and run for 6 to 8 months.
Conclusion
The GDN call for national research teams is a strong opportunity for institutions working in digital governance, public policy, development research, and financial inclusion.
With up to USD 50,000 in funding, a clear focus on DPI inclusivity, and strong emphasis on policy impact, this programme is ideal for teams that can generate practical evidence on how digital systems can become more inclusive and equitable.
For more information, visit Global Development Network.
