Olivia Elson
Director
Liv is a Director at Public Digital, where she delivers strategy and research engagements with global development institutions such as major philanthropic foundations, multilateral development banks and UN agencies.
With over a decade of experience at the intersection of international development, innovation and technology, Liv brings deep expertise in multi-partner programme delivery, the implementation of test and learn approaches, and the development of responsible, inclusive and localised solutions. She has led several global development programmes from design to delivery, and has worked closely with funders to coordinate strategic priorities in innovation and technology and embed innovative approaches to achieve sustained impact.
Liv is currently working with the Gates Foundation, supporting their investment approach and building capabilities in Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) - including digital identity, digital payments and data exchange solutions - to ultimately enable countries to deliver essential services and create economic opportunities for all.
Prior to joining Public Digital, Liv co-led the Innovation Practice at Results for Development (R4D). There, she managed a broad portfolio of projects ranging from supporting entrepreneurs testing new solutions to tackling development challenges as part of the FCDO’s Frontier Technologies Hub, to working with global funders in the International Development Innovation Alliance to shape innovation strategies, facilitate learning, and spark collaborations. She also previously worked at PwC, managing complex programmes for UK public sector clients including the Department for International Development (DFID), such as the Business Innovation Facility.
At the core of Liv's work is a commitment to expanding access to quality services for underserved communities through the scaling of responsible, inclusive digital solutions.