Skills framework

  • Home
  • Skills framework

Open data is a relatively new field. Its potential is being realised increasingly as it is slowly integrated into the strategies of organisations. Those working with open data or on open data initiatives often have to learn the skills as they go. There is no clear language to describe the knowledge and skills of those working with open data; nothing with which to benchmark a single individual’s expertise, and point to where they are in their learning journey.

This is why the ODI has created the open data skills framework.

The open data skills framework is a simple, three-tier framework that describes the knowledge and skills of anyone interacting with open data, from beginner through to expert level.

The skills framework enables learners to identify where they are in their learning journey. Everybody starts their journey as an ‘explorer’. They may then wish to focus on either strategic or practical skills, or both. Ideally, every learner will eventually apply their learning back to their sector to help solve sector-specific challenges, and drive change in their domain.

Explorer

An open data explorer has a basic understanding of open data. They can define it, point to examples or case studies and explain how it can be used to create change.

Strategist

An open data strategist is someone who integrates open data into a strategy or manages an open data project. They have the planning and management techniques to drive forward an open data initiative, and they understand the challenges inherent in this process.

Practitioner

Open data practitioners have the practical skills necessary to conduct basic operations on an open dataset. They get hands-on with the data, and are familiar with the tools and techniques necessary to manage and publish an open dataset.

Pioneer

Open data pioneers apply their data knowledge to their sector to solve challenges. They can point to sector-specific case studies, identify future trends in the sector and understand the data challenges specific to their sector.

The 2017 skills framework

Explore the interactive 2017 skills framework and find out which courses and eLearning resources are available to help you gain each skill.

Courses

Creating
value

Introducing
open data

Cleaning
data

Innovating
with data

Sustaining
open data

Licensing
data

Improving
quality

Choosing
formats

Boosting
usability

Using data
analytics

Designing
services

Building
communities

Managing
change

Using
platforms

Applying
statistics

Linking
data

Visualising
data

Generating
revenue

Measuring
success

Developing
strategy

Developing
policy

Trend
analysis

Finding
insights

Interacting
with data

Prioritising
action

Leading
change

Deploying
data science

Introductions

Publishing

Management

Business

Analysis

Leadership

Courses

eLearning