Swiss Data Literacy Charter as the basis for data literacy

Bern, 15 May 2024

In our networked world, a flood of data and information needs to be appropriately assessed and evaluated. This requires proficient data literacy. The further development of artificial intelligence (AI) also makes it necessary for everyone to have a sufficient knowledge of data usage in all walks of life. The “Swiss Data Literacy Charter” was drafted to create a data culture that comprises a self-determined way of handling data and confident evaluation of data and statements.

What is data literacy?

Data literacy encompasses the ability to collect, manage, evaluate and utilize data in a carefully-considered manner. Data protection and data ethics principles must also be taken into account here. Because general conditions may change, ongoing interaction between data producers – for example website operators – and data consumers – for example website users – is essential. A lifelong learning process is required due to the complexity of the topic and the rapid progress of developments in this area. Such an approach will ensure that data is handled, exchanged and interpreted sensibly.

Who should be responsible for data literacy?

Coordinated interaction is urgently needed between all the stakeholders involved:  only if everyone acquires the ability to exchange and use data in all areas in an ethical and data protection-compliant manner can this data contribute to a participatory society. The media, education and politics play an important role in ensuring that data literacy is fostered at all levels and in all areas. International developments need to be taken into account here. The Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences and the organization “Data Literacy – Switzerland” therefore call on the general public, all relevant disciplines, the media and politicians to come to terms with data literacy and to implement it in their respective contexts. This Charter is intended to help initiate, firmly establish and implement a cultural change in accordance with the principles of the Swiss Data Literacy Charter.

For further information, please contact:

Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences:

Olivia Denk, Open Science specialist

Tel. +41 31 306 92 11

olivia.denk@akademien-schweiz.ch

Data Literacy – Switzerland:

Prof. Dr. ès sc. Diego Kuonen, CStat PStat

+41 78 709 53 84

kuonen@statoo.com

Dr. med. Monique Lehky Hagen, eMBA focus healthcare

Tel. +41 76 417 67 19

lehkyhagen@hin.ch

“Swiss Data Literacy” is an interprofessional, independent movement launched in 2020 at the initiative of Prof. Dr ès sc. Diego Kuonen and Dr. Monique Lehky Hagen. It is committed to promoting and implementing, through regional, national and international networks, the foundations of a broad-based social change in data literacy and to anchoring that change in the political agenda. www.data-literacy.ch