![]() ![]() The round shape will help integrate the technical interactions into an ecosystem mapping exercise. We’ve been experimenting with a visual tool to both guide conversations and document technologies used by data stewards by relating them to their purpose – inspired by some early frameworks guiding research into legal, governance, technical and commercial strands of data stewardship. We needed a shared language and framework which we can use to document and discuss with technologists and non-techies alike. However, differences in scale and detail make it difficult to compare and contrast diagrams. Technical specialists will often draw boxes to represent whole systems with arrows between them to represent data flow for some a box might represent a crucial library or language, whereas a single system might be represented as stacked layers. We’ve also been thinking about how to communicate this diversity. Communicating the technologies used to steward data While we build up a catalogue of case studies, we thought it would be interesting to showcase the diversity of technical configurations, which reflects the diversity of the organisations’ missions, and shows clearly that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. As we learn more from existing data stewards we hope to uncover common patterns so we can share what works under what circumstances. We interviewed technical specialists from six data institutions who participated in our recent stimulus fund and peer learning network, asking them to describe the technologies they use to steward the data they hold. So we decided we’d document and learn from people who are working with real systems every day. Even though some of us at the ODI have technical backgrounds, we haven’t experienced every size and shape of system. But we’re finding there is no simple answer or checklist technology systems are as unique as organisations are. We’d like to help people setting up and running data institutions to understand the tools, systems and other technical infrastructure they need. For example, technology can be used for analysis, facilitate decision-making, or enable collaboration. ![]() In parallel, we’re exploring how these functions are supported by technology.ĭifferent technologies are used by data institutions to manage datasets – eg to store, secure, share and interact with data – and support the functioning of the organisation. We’ve been exploring and documenting different aspects of data institutions, such as how they make decisions about who has access to the data they hold, and their quest to operate in trustworthy ways. At the ODI, we think of stewarding data as collecting, maintaining and sharing it – the foundational activity that shapes what types of products, services and insights it can be used to create, and ultimately, what decisions it can inform. Data institutions are organisations that steward data on behalf of others, often towards public, educational or charitable aims. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |