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In 1992, Stephenson [1] described a type of metaverse in his science fiction novel Snow Crash . Through his imagination, Stephenson is said to have directly influenced the makers of Google Earth, and, more recently, Silicon Valley’s “Metaverse” [2] . In addition, there was a spate of literature published 15–20 years ago, related to metaverse concepts with the introduction of Second Life in June 2003 by Linden Labs. Many users experienced virtual spaces, shopped with virtual currency (Linden dollar, L $ ), and even frequented virtual storefronts [3] . 

This paper serves as an Introduction to the Public Interest Technology (PIT) for Innovation in Global Development Special Issue, based on a workshop of the same title held in September 2023. The paper’s contribution is in proposing recommendations and practical guidance to aid in launching PIT projects. We begin by situating the Special Issue in evolving definitions of PIT in Section II , followed by an overview of the PIT ecosystem in Section III to offer a succinct account of the current state of PIT scholarship. The corresponding links to the innovation in global development context are subsequently described in Section IV , in keeping with the theme of the workshop. These links relate to an overview of adjacent fields and concepts; an illustrative example in the information technology for development (ICT4D) field; the identification of gaps in current PIT scholarship; and the preliminary questions that require attention. Next, Section V presents workshop outcomes, in the form of a general overview of the event; the identification of prevalent themes emerging from and / or are reinforced in the workshop; and a summary of Special Issue papers. The workshop is used as an interdisciplinary catalyst for the explication of more recent PIT developments. These developments are encapsulated in ten recommendations for launching PIT projects in Section VI , intended to direct PIT project managers or lead investigators prior to project launch or during the initial stages of a project.