Digital Public Goods

Definition ∞ Digital Public Goods are open-source software, data, or content freely available for everyone to use and build upon. These resources are non-rivalrous and non-excludable, meaning consumption by one does not prevent consumption by another, and access cannot be restricted. Examples include foundational blockchain protocols and essential code libraries.
Context ∞ The discussion involves developing sustainable funding models and governance structures that support the creation and maintenance of these essential digital resources. A key debate addresses how to incentivize contributions to public goods within a decentralized ecosystem effectively. Future developments focus on innovative funding mechanisms like quadratic funding and retroactive public goods funding, increasingly implemented by crypto communities.