Shahrish Khan

UM4050

PUM23350

This Directed Research Project (DRP) explores DigiLocker as a Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) enabling secure, interoperable data exchange between issuers, users, and requesters. The study investigates adoption patterns, perceptions, and barriers among stakeholders, using a UTAUT-inspired framework to assess factors like performance expectancy, social influence, and data privacy concerns. Through surveys, interviews, and case analysis, the research identifies gaps in current usage, underutilized sectors, and opportunities for expanding DigiLocker services. The project aims to provide actionable insights and recommendations to strengthen trust, drive adoption, and enhance the role of DigiLocker in India’s evolving digital governance ecosystem.


Report Content

Understanding Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and Data Exchange Systems

Literature findings on Global Practices of Data Exchange DPI

Introduction to DigiLocker-Understanding Features and Functions

Study employed a mixed-method research approach, integrating both quantitative and qualitative methods. This dual-pronged methodology ensured a comprehensive, multidimensional understanding of the adoption landscape capturing usage patterns, social, organizational, and behavioural nuances influencing user and institutional engagement.

UTUAT framework was adapted, by retaining original core factors like Performance Expectancy, Effort Expectancy, Social Influence, and Facilitating Conditions, while two new constructs, Data Security and Anxiety were introduced.

User Survey Results

User Survey: Framework Results

Assessment based on Framework on Digital Public Infrastructure: A Framework for Conceptualisation and Measurement.

This study draws upon the Digital Intelligence Index, developed by The Fletcher School at Tufts University in collaboration with Mastercard. This framework offers a comprehensive lens through which to interpret not just how digital systems are adopted, but more critically, why they are trusted or not.

The study concludes by identifying key drivers of digital trust necessary for scaling DigiLocker's adoption and proposes strategic directions for expanding its role as a foundational element of India’s digital governance framework.