In a data economy, businesses have large amounts of data available that enable them to make data-based decisions (data-driven management, “DDM”). This applies not only to tech companies, but increasingly to data-intensive SMEs and start-ups. In many instances automated systems (e.g. artificial intelligence) are used to prepare or make business decisions on the basis of data or in the context of innovation processes. However, various legal issues arise from the different stages in the data life cycle. Thus, data-driven decision making and data-oriented businesses require a broad spectrum of competences and skills: an intertwined technical understanding, management know-how and profound legal knowledge.