Data for Better Lives: A New Social Contract

The data revolution is transforming the world; and yet much of the value of data remains untapped. This course, based on the World Development Report 2021: Data for Better Lives , explores the tremendous potential of the changing data landscape to improve the lives of poor people, while also acknowledging its potential to open back doors that can harm individuals, businesses, and societies.

To address this tension between the helpful and harmful potential of data, it details a new social contract that enables the use and reuse of data to create economic and social value, ensures equitable access to that value, and fosters trust that data will not be misused in harmful ways.

Based on the WDR 2021 report, the course provides an overview of the recommendations on where public and private sector investments are the most critical, defines a rich program for policy reform and technical assistance, and highlights areas where global initiatives and partnerships can help to convene and facilitate cooperation at regional, bilateral and international levels.

Therefore, it elaborates on the following:

Conceptual framework through three pathways
Potential of data from public sector, private sector and civil society organizations
Creative reuses and data synergies
Data governance in the area of infrastructure, laws and regulations, economic policies in the area of competition, trade and tax
Policy recommendations using a maturity model approach
Integrated national data system

The course is open to anyone who has an interest in the subject and participants will be able to choose their own learning paths.

What's inside

Learning objectives

How data can better advance development objectives
Creating economic and social value from data
Using data in the public and the private sector
Creative reuses of data for greater value

Data governance in the area of infrastructure, laws and regulations, and economic policies in the area of competition, trade and tax.
Policy recommendations using a maturity model approach
Creating an integrated national data system

How data can better advance development objectives
Creating economic and social value from data
Using data in the public and the private sector
Creative reuses of data for greater value
Data governance in the area of infrastructure, laws and regulations, and economic policies in the area of competition, trade and tax.
Policy recommendations using a maturity model approach
Creating an integrated national data system

Syllabus

Week 1: Module I — Advancing development objectives through data

Introduction to harnessing the value of data for better lives for the poor through the three pathways set out in a conceptual framework, economics and politics of data, and overview of a data governance framework to realize the development impact.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Examines data usage for economic and social value creation, which is an important trend in industry, academia, and society

Develops key competencies in data governance and policy, which can help learners excel in data science and policy analysis roles

Covers topics on creative reuse of data, which enhances learner ability to unlock new value streams and solve complex problems

Provides a comprehensive overview of data governance frameworks, essential for building trust and ensuring responsible data use

Includes policy recommendations using a maturity model approach, which aids learners in assessing and improving their data governance practices

Explores a wide range of data sources and applications across the public, private, and civil society sectors

Reviews summary

Policy-oriented data for development framework

According to learners, this course offers a comprehensive and insightful overview of data's role in societal development, particularly for public policy and development professionals. Students consistently praise its strong focus on data governance, economic policies, and the concept of a 'new social contract' for data, finding it highly relevant and timely. While noted for its clear presentation of complex topics and the World Bank's expert perspective, some learners found the delivery somewhat theoretical, akin to reading a detailed report. It is not designed for hands-on technical data skills but provides a valuable foundational understanding for macro-level data initiatives.

Deep dives into data governance, ethics, and economic policies.

"I particularly appreciated the modules on data governance and the integrated national data system. Highly recommended for policy makers..."

"The course covered data governance, economic policies, and ethical considerations thoroughly. A must-take for anyone in the development space."

"The sections on competition, trade, and tax policy related to data were particularly eye-opening... The depth of coverage for policy was impressive."

"It opened my eyes to the ethical and governance aspects of data that often get overlooked in technical data science courses."

Best for policymakers and those in development, not technical roles.

"Highly recommended for policy makers and development practitioners."

"If you're looking for technical data skills, this isn't it. However, for understanding the broader ecosystem, it's quite good."

"This course is essential for development professionals and policymakers."

"Definitely geared towards those interested in policy and large-scale data impact."

Provides an insightful overview of data's role in development.

"This course provided an excellent and comprehensive overview of the complex relationship between data and societal development."

"Absolutely brilliant! The concept of a 'new social contract' for data is crucial. The course covered data governance, economic policies, and ethical considerations thoroughly."

"An insightful exploration of data's role in development. The material is well-structured, building from foundational concepts to complex policy issues."

Informative but sometimes perceived as dry or lecture-like.

"The content is important and timely, but I found the delivery a bit dry at times. It felt like reading the WDR report in parts."

"My only minor critique is that some parts could benefit from more dynamic presentation formats."

"The discussions on infrastructure and legal frameworks were good, but I felt some sections were a bit repetitive."

Offers strong theoretical foundation but lacks practical implementation.

"I felt some parts were a bit theoretical, and I would have liked more practical case studies on implementation challenges."

"The course felt too high-level and theoretical. I didn't feel I gained much new practical knowledge, especially with my background."

"It's primarily a policy course. Don't expect hands-on data analysis or technical skills."

"I missed more interactive elements or discussions... it was good for an overview, but not for practical skills."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Data for Better Lives: A New Social Contract - Self Paced with these activities:

Organize Course Materials

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Keeping the materials organized will make it easier to find what you need as you progress through your course.

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Create a system for organizing your materials
Organize your notes
Organize your assignments
Organize your quizzes
Organize your exams

Join a Data Governance Study Group

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Collaborative learning among peers can help you explore the complexities of data governance as a team and gain new perspectives.

Browse courses on Data Governance

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Find a study group
Prepare for meetings
Participate in discussions

Solve practice problems on data governance

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Reinforce your understanding of data governance principles.

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Identify a data governance framework.
Analyze real-world case studies of data governance.
Apply data governance principles to a hypothetical scenario.

Four other activities

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Practice Data Analysis Techniques

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Understanding data analysis techniques will help you better decipher the provided data and make better use of it to advance development objectives.

Browse courses on Data Mining

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Use a data analysis tool
Analyze a dataset
Interpret the results

Follow Guided Tutorials on Data Governance

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Become familiar with data governance best practices to ensure your projects or objectives are completed in a safe and compliant way.

Browse courses on Data Governance Frameworks

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Find a tutorial on data governance
Complete the tutorial
Apply what you have learned

Attend a Data Governance Workshop

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Attending a workshop led by experts in the field will provide in-depth guidance and practical insights into best practices for data governance.

Browse courses on Data Governance

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Find a workshop on data governance
Register for the workshop
Attend the workshop
Apply what you have learned

Mentor Junior Data Governance Professionals

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By passing your knowledge on, you will enhance your understanding of data governance and further develop your leadership and communication skills.

Browse courses on Data Governance

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Find a junior data governance professional
Offer your mentorship
Meet with your mentee
Provide guidance and support

Career center

Learners who complete Data for Better Lives: A New Social Contract - Self Paced will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Data Analyst

Data Analysts use statistical techniques to extract meaningful insights from data. They may also develop algorithms and machine learning models to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of data analysis. This course helps build a foundation in the responsible use and interpretation of data, which is essential for success as a Data Analyst. The course provides an overview of data governance frameworks and policy recommendations, ensuring that data is used ethically and in a way that maximizes its potential for development.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Data Scientist

Data Scientists use advanced mathematical and statistical techniques to solve complex problems. They apply their skills in a variety of industries, including finance, healthcare, and technology. This course provides a comprehensive overview of data science concepts and techniques, including data governance, data analysis, and machine learning. The course also explores the ethical and social implications of data science, ensuring that Data Scientists are equipped with the knowledge and skills to use data responsibly.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Data Engineer

Data Engineers design, build, and maintain data pipelines and infrastructure. They ensure that data is accessible, reliable, and secure. This course provides a solid foundation in data engineering principles and practices, including data modeling, data warehousing, and data security. The course also covers the latest trends in data engineering, such as cloud computing and big data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Engineer

Data Architect

Data Architects design and manage data systems that meet the needs of an organization. They work closely with stakeholders to understand data requirements and develop solutions that are scalable, efficient, and secure. This course provides a comprehensive overview of data architecture principles and practices, including data modeling, data integration, and data governance. The course also covers the latest trends in data architecture, such as cloud computing and big data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Architect

Business Analyst

Business Analysts use data to identify and solve business problems. They work with stakeholders to understand business needs and develop solutions that improve efficiency and profitability. This course provides a solid foundation in data analysis techniques and business intelligence tools. The course also covers the latest trends in business analysis, such as big data and data visualization.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Data Governance Officer

Data Governance Officers are responsible for developing and implementing data governance policies and procedures. They work with stakeholders to ensure that data is used ethically and in a way that maximizes its value. This course provides a comprehensive overview of data governance principles and practices, including data classification, data security, and data privacy. The course also covers the latest trends in data governance, such as big data and cloud computing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Governance Officer

Data Privacy Officer

Data Privacy Officers are responsible for protecting the privacy of personal data. They work with stakeholders to develop and implement data privacy policies and procedures. This course provides a comprehensive overview of data privacy principles and practices, including data protection laws and regulations, data breach response, and data ethics. The course also covers the latest trends in data privacy, such as big data and cloud computing.

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Chief Data Officer

Chief Data Officers are responsible for overseeing all aspects of data management within an organization. They work with stakeholders to develop and implement data strategies that align with business objectives. This course provides a comprehensive overview of data management principles and practices, including data governance, data architecture, and data analytics. The course also covers the latest trends in data management, such as big data and cloud computing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Data Officer

Data Visualization Specialist

Data Visualization Specialists use data visualization tools and techniques to communicate data insights to stakeholders. They work closely with data analysts and data scientists to create visualizations that are clear, concise, and actionable. This course provides a solid foundation in data visualization principles and practices, including data visualization tools, visual design, and storytelling. The course also covers the latest trends in data visualization, such as interactive data visualization and data storytelling.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Visualization Specialist

Data Journalist

Data Journalists use data to tell stories and inform the public. They work with data analysts and data scientists to find and interpret data that is of interest to the public. This course provides a solid foundation in data journalism principles and practices, including data gathering, data analysis, and data visualization. The course also covers the latest trends in data journalism, such as data-driven storytelling and data ethics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Journalist

Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts use data to inform policy decisions. They work with policymakers to develop and evaluate policies that are based on evidence. This course provides a solid foundation in policy analysis principles and practices, including research methods, data analysis, and policy evaluation. The course also covers the latest trends in policy analysis, such as evidence-based policymaking and data-driven decision-making.

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Program Evaluator

Program Evaluators use data to evaluate the effectiveness of programs and interventions. They work with program managers to develop and implement evaluation plans that measure the impact of programs. This course provides a solid foundation in program evaluation principles and practices, including research methods, data analysis, and evaluation design. The course also covers the latest trends in program evaluation, such as mixed methods evaluation and data-driven decision-making.

See salaries and explore the career path for Program Evaluator

Market Researcher

Market Researchers use data to understand consumer behavior and market trends. They work with businesses to develop and implement marketing strategies that are based on data. This course provides a solid foundation in market research principles and practices, including research methods, data analysis, and market segmentation. The course also covers the latest trends in market research, such as big data and social media analytics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Market Researcher

Operations Research Analyst

Operations Research Analysts use data to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of operations. They work with businesses to develop and implement solutions that optimize processes and reduce costs. This course provides a solid foundation in operations research principles and practices, including mathematical modeling, data analysis, and optimization techniques. The course also covers the latest trends in operations research, such as data-driven decision-making and simulation modeling.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Research Analyst