Like any area of tech (or any specialised discipline for that matter), data analytics is rife with jargon. This makes it more difficult or even intimidating for non-specialists to approach the topic. NESTA have developed a short 'jargon buster' on 15 essential terms and concepts to aid your understanding and discussions around data analytics.
Councils may also be interested in Wise Council: Insights from the cutting edge of data-driven local government a joint report from NESTA and the Local Government Association. This report profiles some of the most pioneering uses of data in UK local government, and the research suggests that there are few areas of council activity in which data can’t be used to help councils save money, improve services or inform decision making. Getting value from data requires taking a ‘problem-oriented’ mindset, which looks for opportunities for data analysis to produce actionable and impactful insights and councils are exploring a range of ways in which data can help them do what they do better. This report features eight in-depth case studies of councils who have put better use of data at the heart of how they continue to deliver quality services in a harsh financial climate.
Nesta's 'jargon buster' is here: