The Data Lab’s Data and AI Skills Framework is a tool for individuals and organisations to navigate future workforce development. The framework focuses on the skills people need, rather than job titles. It includes technical, leadership and meta-skills and data & AI ethics and governance. It helps organisations assess current capability, prioritise what matters next and design realistic upskilling pathways. The Data & AI Skills Framework was designed to support real workforce decisions, not theory. The Data Lab updates the Framework and assesses skills and the adoption of the Framework across Scotland every two years and this project will be a part of that work.
This project will review other skills frameworks across the UK and potentially internationally and conduct a comparative analysis of how the Data Lab’s Framework complements or contrasts with other frameworks.
Possible impacts or outcomes may include:
- integrating our framework into a national framework for digital skills (so it can be adopted by government/education)
- making a case for our framework to remain separate
- ways in which we can engage employers to embed our framework into their training plans (e.g. https://futuredotnow.uk/charter/), this may include a set of recommendations for employers in how to utilise the framework and an outreach plan
There is some scope to take the research in your own direction. We would expect one peer-reviewed outcome from this project, such as a journal article or conference paper.
SGSSS Summer Internships
The Data Lab
Internship host: The Data Lab
Part time or Full time: 3 months full-time or 6 months part-time
Location: / Hybrid
Project Title
A Comparative Study of Digital Skills Frameworks to Support the Innovation Economy in Scotland
Project Details
The Data Lab’s Data and AI Skills Framework is a tool for individuals and organisations to navigate future workforce development. The framework focuses on the skills people need, rather than job titles. It includes technical, leadership and meta-skills and data & AI ethics and governance. It helps organisations assess current capability, prioritise what matters next and design realistic upskilling pathways. The Data & AI Skills Framework was designed to support real workforce decisions, not theory. The Data Lab updates the Framework and assesses skills and the adoption of the Framework across Scotland every two years and this project will be a part of that work.
This project will review other skills frameworks across the UK and potentially internationally and conduct a comparative analysis of how the Data Lab’s Framework complements or contrasts with other frameworks.
Possible impacts or outcomes may include:
There is some scope to take the research in your own direction. We would expect one peer-reviewed outcome from this project, such as a journal article or conference paper.
Skills Required
- Qualitative research and analysis
- Writing and communication skills
- Project management
- Knowledge of or interest in data and AI
DesirableSkills to be Developed
• Analytical research management skills
• Communication and writing skills
• Engagement and impact
• Professional conduct
• Professional management
• Project Management
• Research project design and management
• Skills in working with others
• Working with public bodies
Timing and Working Hours
Challenge-Led Pathways aligned to this placement
Challenge-led pathways give students the opportunity to develop capacity for interdisciplinary connections within the social sciences and beyond. More information on challenge-led pathways can be found here.
About the Host
Contact for Queries
How to Apply
To apply for this internship create an account on SGSSS Apply and start a new Internships application selecting “The Data Lab” from the host options. The deadline for applications is 4pm Monday 9th March 2026.