Becoming a Global Good

Digital Square identifies global goods through our Open Application Process (OAP). Digital Square’s OAP provides an iterative process that gives applicants the opportunity to find collaborators and provide and receive feedback from peers. Each solicitation in the OAP is referred to as a Notice. Notices are delineated by particular thematic or program-focused areas.

An important aspect of the Notice(s) is that the review of applications is done by a Peer Review Committee (PRC), while the investment selections are made by an Investment Review Committee (IRC). Digital Square's PRC comprises a diverse set of the foremost leaders and thinkers in digital health technology, including from country governments, donor organizations, implementing organizations, technology vendors, and other constituencies. The PRC plays a critical role in assessing the technical and programmatic appropriateness of submitted concept notes and applications. The PRC provides feedback to the Digital Square Board to prioritize investments in high-quality digital health products and services.

Accordingly, the tools and approaches submitted to Notices are validated as global goods through a consensus approach of the broader public and digital health community represented by the PRC. For a tool to be identified as a global good, it must have a successful outcome in an active Digital Square Notice. Prior to applying for Digital Square approval, developers are advised to ensure it meets the definition of a global good and undertake a self-evaluation of its maturity using the Global Goods Maturity Model.