The digital realm is witnessing an increasing convergence of the physical and virtual worlds. The application of technologies like Artificial Intelligence, 5G, IoT, and Quantum are slated to empower individuals and create immense business and employment opportunities. However, the persisting absence of clearly defined regulatory and governance frameworks may impede realizing the true potential of digitalization for India’s socio-economic growth. There is no denying that the need of the hour is to instil accountability and ethics in the development of digital technologies, build trust and confidence in their use, and support this pursuit with agile and flexible policy approaches. The security challenges here are transnational and would require accommodation between competing national interests and priorities.

Against the backdrop of the unfolding phase of digital era and its reverberations for governments, industry and society, DSCI embarked on an initiative to bring together thought leaders from the diverse backgrounds of industry, policy, diplomacy and law to pen articles and point of views on some of the pertinent themes of our times into an edited volume. “Digital ++” in the title of this volume denotes the next phase of digitalization. Aligned with DSCI’s thought leadership mandate, it reflects on security, trust, privacy and other prominent issues arising out of the contemporary developments in digital space which have implications both for the industry and policy making at large.

This volume is divided into three sections. The first one touches upon the aspects of digital infrastructure and standards, sustainability and data-driven innovation. The second section revolves around security facets of supply chains, hybrid war and ransomware, self-sovereign identity, and quantum technologies. The third section spans the diverse themes of digital human rights, digital health, and cyber diplomacy and norms.

We thank all the authors who have contributed towards this effort and help us made this edited volume possible.

Contributors and Titles