What’s a ‘solution’? In the simplest terms, it is an answer to a problem. It is obvious that each time we speak of a solution, there is always an inevitable reference to a problem as well. However, in today’s hyper-connected world, our problems are not simple or straightforward with some obvious solutions. The present societal challenges (read social issues) are increasingly complex, which affects a diverse range of people across borders. For instance, imagine how climate change in the Himalayas impacts agrarian communities, food security, health, seasons & disasters, livelihoods, wildlife, the economy of not just India, but for our neighbours as well.

To tackle these problems, we need solutions that not only solve these problems one time but also equip others to adapt these solutions to their own contexts. Thus, solutions need to be:

• flexible (modifications to meet different conditions, resources, and needs should be possible),
• inclusive (people across the socio-economic background, gender, or abilities spectrum should be able to access), and
• sustainable (able to endure environmental, economic, and social changes)

Only when communities can collaborate, co-create solutions, and share knowledge, will the world become a better place for the generations to come. Here, solutions designed for scale fruitfully embody the necessities of problem-solving, innovation, and progress.

A prime example of such a scalable solution is the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in India. Launched in 2016 by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), UPI revolutionised the digital payment landscape by providing a simple, secure, and instant way to transfer money between bank accounts using a mobile device. By bringing financial operations to a straightforward mobile app, UPI significantly contributed to financial inclusion, enabling access to banking services for the unbanked and underbanked populations. Additionally, UPI’s open API architecture allowed multiple applications (Paytm, Google Pay, PhonePe, etc.) to adopt the solution, giving users the freedom to choose the platform they found most convenient. This flexibility was a crucial factor in the rapid and widespread adoption of UPI, as it catered to diverse user preferences while maintaining seamless interoperability across different banking and financial apps.

The exponential growth of UPI transactions underscores how a well-designed, user-centric solution can scale effectively, driving substantial positive impact on societal levels, fostering economic development, and simplifying business operations.