This proposal by the Nesta foundation in the UK compels the EU to actively promote an internet model that is based on openness and diversity, as it seeks to give shape and meaning to its objective of achieving open strategic autonomy in an increasingly (geo)politicised global technology arena. It therefore emphasises the urgency to articulate a compelling alternative vision around a model that champions the public good.

The Nesta proposal sets out a new framework which would seek to redistribute power over the internet by building a more vibrant, diverse and resilient ecosystem of trustworthy open solutions on top of shared set of rules and open protocols and standards. This is referred to as Public Digital Infrastructure (PDI).

The main necessary elements for moving towards PDI are:
– Collaborative interoperability & Data Commons
– A Public Technology fund
– A fully independent Public Digital Infrastructure Agency