A Data Literacy Competence Model for Higher Education and Research

In an increasingly data-driven world, the ability to understand, interpret, and use data - data literacy - is emerging as a critical competence across all academic disciplines. The Data Literacy Initiative (DaLI) at TH Köln addresses this need by developing a comprehensive competence model for promoting data literacy in higher education. Based on interdisciplinary collaboration and empirical research, the DaLI model defines seven overarching competence areas: "Establish Data Culture", "Provide Data", "Manage Data", "Analyze Data", "Evaluate Data", "Interpret Data", and "Publish Data". Each area is further detailed by specific competence dimensions and progression levels, providing a structured framework for curriculum design, teaching, and assessment. Intended for use across disciplines, the model supports the strategic integration of data literacy into university programs. By providing a common language and orientation for educators and institutions, the DaLI model contributes to the broader goal of preparing students to navigate and shape a data-informed society.