ARDC Digital Research Capabilities and Skills Framework

First released in 2022, the ARDC Digital Research Capabilities and Skills Framework provides a structure for training programs to develop essential and advanced digital research skills. It aims to help researchers and professionals identify the necessary skills they need to leverage emerging opportunities in data management, data analysis, data linking, AI and machine learning. The framework aligns with technological advancements and encourages ongoing discussion and contributions to evolve the coverage of digital research skills.

The framework focuses on digital research skills, excluding broader professional skills, and is intended for a wide range of stakeholders. It provides a structured approach for project teams and organisations to develop and enhance their digital research skills through 6 main components: 

• a skills taxonomy
• a skills glossary
• a list of generalised roles
• roles and skills-related profiles
• learning paths
• a skills and roles matrix.

The skills taxonomy classifies digital research skills into 4 capability families – governance, data, software, and digital research infrastructure (DRI) management. It provides a standard terminology for identifying and describing these skills.

Next Steps

The ARDC Skilled Workforce Development team will refine and expand the framework to keep it relevant. The team will gather feedback, build role profiles and learning paths, share resources, and monitor implementations. Additionally, the outcomes of implementations will be shared to foster collaboration and collective understanding.

The ARDC invites contributions from universities, research organisations, industry partners, and policymakers to help shape the framework into the future. Stakeholders can get involved by sharing use cases, collaborating on refinements, and participating in discussions on best practices and future directions. Contact us.