Ten creative, including some zany, funding mechanisms for digital public infrastructure via a planetary institution (Courtesy of Claude)

[patwater]

Here are ten creative funding mechanisms for a planetary-scale digital public goods institution:

1. Global Data Dividend: Implement a small fee on large-scale data transactions worldwide, with proceeds funding the development and maintenance of digital public goods.
2. Carbon Credit Contribution: Allocate a percentage of global carbon credit transactions to support digital infrastructure for climate action.
3. Planetary Lottery: Establish an international lottery where a portion of proceeds goes towards funding digital public goods, engaging global citizens in the effort.
4. Sovereign Wealth Fund Collaboration: Partner with sovereign wealth funds to create a dedicated investment pool for digital public goods, offering both financial returns and global impact.
5. Blockchain-based Micro-donations: Develop a cryptocurrency that allows individuals to contribute tiny amounts with each digital transaction, accumulating significant funding over time.
6. Global Tech Tax: Implement a small tax on major tech companies' global revenues, specifically earmarked for digital public goods development.
7. Digital Commons Bonds: Issue bonds that allow investors to support the development of digital public goods while receiving returns based on the economic benefits generated.
8. Planetary Membership Model: Create a tiered global membership program for nations, organizations, and individuals, offering benefits and voting rights in exchange for financial support.
9. AI-Generated Resource Allocation: Develop an AI system that identifies inefficiencies in global resource allocation and redirects a portion of the saved resources to fund digital public goods.
10. Space-based Revenue Sharing: As space commercialization grows, implement an international agreement to allocate a percentage of space-derived revenues (e.g., satellite services, space tourism) to fund Earth-focused digital public goods.

These mechanisms aim to create sustainable, diverse funding streams that match the global scale and impact of the digital public goods being developed. They leverage emerging technologies, global cooperation, and innovative financial instruments to ensure long-term support for crucial planetary-scale digital infrastructure.