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.

Week 2: Module II — Data in the public sector, the private sector, and civil society

Illustration of how data can be used as a force for public good, as a resource for the private sector, and to inform civil society and empower individuals, using several real-life examples.

Week 3: Module III — Creative reuses of data for greater value

Overview of how innovations in repurposing and combining public intent and private intent data are opening doors to development impacts previously unimaginable. Introduction to the potential and limitations of reuse, interoperability, and synergies of public intent and private intent data.

Week 4: Module IV — Aligning data governance with the new social contract

Introduction to critical data infrastructure policies to ensure equitable access for poor people in poor countries; and introduction to data policies, laws and regulations, using a safeguards and enablers framework, to create a trust environment to meet the needs of the rapidly evolving data economy.

Week 5: Module V — Creating value in the data economy: The role of competition, trade, and tax policy

Overview of how the expanding role of data in ubiquitous platform business models is reshaping competition, trade, and taxation in the real economy and posing pertinent risks for low- and middle-income countries. Introduction to the policy challenges and responses arising from competition, trade and taxation, and the linkages with the design of data regulations.

Week 6: Module VI — Moving toward an integrated national data system

Introduction to understanding how institutional ecosystems can help govern data through collective action, and furthermore, the steps for creating an aspirational integrated national data system, using a maturity model approach, and the tools for measuring performance of data systems.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, 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

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

Show steps

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

Show steps

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

Show steps

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

Show steps

Find a study group
Prepare for meetings
Participate in discussions

Solve practice problems on data governance

Show steps

Reinforce your understanding of data governance principles.

Browse courses on Data Governance

Show steps

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

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Practice Data Analysis Techniques

Show steps

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

Show steps

Use a data analysis tool
Analyze a dataset
Interpret the results

Follow Guided Tutorials on Data Governance

Show steps

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

Show steps

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

Attend a Data Governance Workshop

Show steps

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

Show steps

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

Mentor Junior Data Governance Professionals

Show steps

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

Show steps

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Privacy Officer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst

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