Why is decentralised publishing and a registry better than a large central IATI database?
We do not think it is desirable for IATI to develop a one-size-fits-all database. We believe that creating a huge IATI database would not only limit the potential for innovation and undermine existing initiatives, but also feel the one-size-fits-all model is unlikely to be successful in meeting all the needs of the wide variety of stakeholders we have identified. IATI should not force anyone to use someone else’s database; it should enable developing countries to develop systems that meet their own needs, and to get the information they need automatically from donors. There are many databases already available, which serve their intended audiences. IATI seeks to support these existing initiatives by enabling donors to publish information in a common format and using common definitions. This will make it easier for those databases to gather and use the data. It will also ensure that data published in different databases and in different locations are consistent and coherent.
