The first session of the journal club for 2025 focused on the working paper ‘Digital Public Infrastructure: A Framework for Conceptualization and Measurement’ by David Eaves and Krisstina Rao, published by the UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose (IIPP) on 27 January 2025. The paper aimed to conceptualize and measure digital public infrastructure (DPI), addressing its growing global policy relevance. Using a grounded theory approach, the study integrates insights from literature and expert interviews to offer two key contributions. A normative framework to trace the attributes of the concept, discussing its qualities in terms of technology, public-interest values, and the adoption context. A measurement framework to evaluate the presence of these attributes in real-world DPI implementations. 
The first session of the journal club for 2025 focused on the working paper ‘Digital Public Infrastructure: A Framework for Conceptualization and Measurement’ by David Eaves and Krisstina Rao, published by the UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose (IIPP) on 27 January 2025. The paper aimed to conceptualize and measure digital public infrastructure (DPI), addressing its growing global policy relevance. Using a grounded theory approach, the study integrates insights from literature and expert interviews to offer two key contributions. A normative framework to trace the attributes of the concept, discussing its qualities in terms of technology, public-interest values, and the adoption context. A measurement framework to evaluate the presence of these attributes in real-world DPI implementations. 
In an insightful 50-minute discussion, Principal Presidential Advisor on Digital Economy Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya sat down with LIRNEasia Chair Prof. Rohan Samarajiva to share his insights on the key priorities and challenges in shaping the nation’s digital transformation. From bridging the country’s digital skills gap and fostering a thriving innovation ecosystem to implementing effective policy reforms, the conversation explores the steps needed to propel Sri Lanka into a competitive position on the global digital stage. Both experts bring a wealth of experience in technology, telecom, and policy, offering a thought-provoking dialogue on what it takes to drive meaningful change. 
On 2nd October 2023, Research Manager and Team Lead (Data, Algorithms, and Policy) Merl Chandana, alongside Junior Researcher Chanuka Algama, held a session titled ‘Applied data science research for social good’ at the University of Kelaniya’s Department of Statistics and Computer Science. The session delved into LIRNEasia’s journey of forming a data science team and using large datasets to yield critical insights for public policy. They contrasted LIRNEasia’s applied data science approach with traditional academic research and private sector practices. Additionally, they highlighted the emerging ‘AI for Social Good’ movement and its potential as a career avenue. The slides used can be accessed below.