Datafront Skill Surge: Future directions in sustainable development

Course description

What do we mean when we talk about administrative data? Why is administrative data considered such a powerful tool?

Routinely collected administrative data captures interactions across the entire population, offering an unparalleled breadth and depth of information.

This on-demand series aims to equip researchers with the knowledge and skills to harness data for societal and sustainable change. This series covers important topics such as the use of administrative data in policymaking, circular economy models, climate resilience, and the impact of digital media on behaviour, with emphasis on the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative strategies to address global challenges.

Participants will gain insights from experts, study case studies, and explore practical examples that illustrate how data-driven approaches and emerging technologies are transforming urban planning, agriculture, and health – that will empower researchers to shape the future of the data landscape!

• Session 5 will explore the evolving landscape of sustainability and how data-driven approaches are redefining our strategies to meet emerging challenges. Let’s dive into the role of data in building a sustainable future.

 

Learning mode

On-demand, self-paced 

 

Who should attend

This course is intended for:

• Data Analysts and Researchers: Those working with administrative or big data who want to deepen their understanding of its characteristics and uses.
• Policymakers and Government Officials: Decision-makers who rely on data to shape public policies.
• Public Sector Managers: Managers in government institutions seeking to optimise data usage for service improvements.
• Health and Social Care Professionals: Individuals looking to use data for improving service delivery and outcomes.
• Urban Planners and Public Health Professionals: Individuals interested in using administrative data to inform planning and health policies.

 

Aims and objectives

• Explore Future Sustainability Trends: Understand how emerging technologies and data-driven methods are shaping sustainable development.
• Data-Driven Planning: Learn how data science informs proactive approaches to resilience and sustainability.
• Integration of Advanced Tools: Develop an understanding of predictive analytics, IoT, and AI applications in sustainability.
• Ethical Awareness: Emphasise the importance of responsible and ethical data usage in future planning.

 

Skills area and competencies

Based on the Datacise Open Learning framework, the relevant skills and competencies for this video include:

Skills Areas:

• Data Literacy: Interpreting complex datasets relevant to sustainability and resilience.
• Predictive Analytics: Using data models to forecast sustainability challenges and opportunities.
• Data Integration Techniques: Combining diverse data sources for comprehensive sustainability insights.
• Ethical Data Management: Practising secure and responsible data usage, with attention to privacy standards.

 

Competencies:

• Critical Data Analysis: Ability to evaluate complex datasets and draw meaningful conclusions.
• Strategic Decision-Making: Skills in using data to inform and adapt sustainability strategies.
• Data Governance: Competence in managing data ethics, privacy, and security concerns in sustainability research.
• Communication: Effectively translating data-driven insights into clear recommendations for diverse audiences.

 

Pre-requisite

• Familiarity with sustainability principles and data usage in environmental studies.
• Some knowledge of data analysis, big data, or IoT applications.
• Awareness of how data can drive evidence-based policymaking is beneficial but not required.

 

Learning outcomes

• Anticipate Sustainability Trends: Ability to forecast future developments and challenges.
• Innovative Data Use: Skills in leveraging diverse data sources for sustainability insights.
• Policy Adaptation: Capacity to adjust strategies based on continuous data inputs and ethical standards.
• Ethical Data Awareness: Understanding of responsible data handling and privacy protocols.

 

Transferable skills

• Analytical Thinking: Developing critical thinking skills for assessing and interpreting complex data.
• Project Management: Ability to manage data-driven sustainability projects effectively.
• Communication: Skills in presenting data-driven insights to diverse audiences.
• Technical Proficiency: Strengthening skills in predictive analytics, data integration, and adaptive planning.

 

Assessment

Multiple choice quiz to self-check understanding. 

 

This training content was originally developed and produced by Professor Adam Chee, Datacise Education Lead at Swansea University, with narration enhanced by advanced text-to-speech technology.