Going Local With Open Networks

If you’re tired of moaning (or celebrating) the after-effects of the U.S. election, or how all of us seem trapped inside the captive markets of Amazon, Apple, Alphabet, Microsoft, Meta, and other feudal powers, take in a talk about something constructive that’s nowhere near any of that, but serves as a model for economies and cultures everywhere: India’s Open Network for Digital Commerce, or ONDC.

Shwetha Rao

That’s what Shwetha Rao will be talking about next Tuesday, 19 November, at Indiana University and on Zoom wherever else you happen to be, at noon Eastern Time.

The title is How Open Networks Impact Local Economies: Lessons from India, and here is how she puts it at that link:

In today’s digital commerce landscape, where major platforms hold significant influence, small businesses and local communities often face substantial barriers. Open networks are helping to shift this landscape by creating a more inclusive and accessible digital economy. A leading example is India’s Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), which demonstrates how decentralized systems can boost digital access and economic opportunity. Unlike traditional platform-centric models, ONDC enables buyers and sellers to transact across various applications, breaking down barriers and fostering inclusivity. This government-backed initiative now connects over a million sellers with shoppers in 600+ cities, supporting small businesses and rural entrepreneurs.

This talk provides insights into the challenges and successes of scaling such open networks, underscoring the role of community engagement and sustainable growth models in driving equitable access and paving the way for a more decentralized digital future.

ONDC is a happening thing:

And, as far as I know, it isn’t happening anywhere outside of India. But it should. And, being open, it could.

The theme for our Beyond the Web salons this academic year is Think Globally, Eat Here: Local Solutions for Big Tech Problems. This solution might be the biggest so far.

As a salon, this will be short on lecture and long on conversation. So bring your curiosity and your questions. We’ll see you there.