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Common terms and acronyms

Common Terms

Term Definition
Agile An iterative project management methodology that breaks down work into smaller phases called sprints in order to deliver software quickly and adapt to changing requirements.
Data Equity The principles and practices that ensure fair treatment, equality of opportunity, and access to information and resources for individuals in data-related projects.
Data Governance A framework for ensuring data quality, data security and privacy, and data accessibility.
Data Stewards Subject experts with a thorough understanding of a particular data set.
Data Custodians Responsible for implementing and maintaining security controls for a given dataset in order to meet the requirements specified by the Data Owner.
Data Localisation The practice of keeping data within the region or country it originated from.
Data Owners The person accountable for the classification, protection, use, and quality of one or more data sets within an organisation.
Data Protection The practice of safeguarding personal data and sensitive information.
Data Visualisation The graphical representation of information and data.
Digital Public Infrastructure The shared digital capabilities needed to participate in society and markets.
Interoperability Frameworks which allow seamless data integration across systems.
Product Management A role within organisations which is responsible for planning, developing, launching, and managing a product or service.
Once-Only Principle A principle in which governments aim to reduce the amount of information citizens need to provide to public authorities.
Open Data Data that are accessible and freely used by anyone.
Roadmap A tool used to show a product/service will evolve over time - over months, quarters and years.
User Centred Design A methodology and practice which allows teams to design data tools and platforms that meet users’ needs.
Weeknotes A concise way to document your team’s progress, share updates, and communicate next steps to stakeholders or team members.

Acronyms and Abbreviations

  • API - Application Programming Interface
  • CDO - Chief Data Officer (also used for Chief Digital Officer)
  • CIPS - Companies and Intellectual Property Commission
  • DSI - Department of Science and Innovation
  • DWG - Data Working Group
  • ETK - eThekwini
  • FAIR Principles - Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable
  • GESI - Gender, Equity and Social Inclusion
  • HPCDPC - High Performance Computing and Data Processing Centre
  • KPI - Key Performance Indicator
  • NIPMO - National Intellectual Property Management Office
  • POPIA - Protection of Personal Information Act
  • RIHA - Estonia’s Riigi infosüsteemi haldussüsteem (Administration system for the state information system)