INDUSTRY WATCH
EDUCATION AT ONE STAGE OR ANOTHER IS NOT THE ONLY KEY TO DATA SKILLS – INCREASING DIVERSITY WILL ALSO HELP .
COVID-19 brought to the fore many innovative and creative examples of how to use data effectively . From identifying where to send medical supplies and channel financial support to businesses , to allowing food banks to connect with families in need of supplies – combined with good judgement and expert knowledge , data can give organisations the insight to act with accuracy and speed .
But even before the pandemic turned our world on its head , it was clear that many businesses saw data among their most valuable assets . It ’ s a vital tool for success . What has become even clearer is how important it can truly be in creating competitive advantage .
However , while many want to improve their data quality and become data-informed , a lack of the right skills and resources within their organisation is significantly hampering their chances of executing a successful data strategy .
This is not an easy fix , as right now there is a data skills shortage . There are more data roles to fill than qualified candidates to take those roles , resulting in a frenzy for data talent . This is exacerbated even further due to some of the bigger brands in technology dominating the recruitment of new and existing talent .
Four in five ( 86 %) data leaders report difficulty in hiring talent in the sector and almost half believe that skills shortages pose the greatest challenge to delivering value within their organisation .
And it ’ s not just the roles most commonly associated with data that is posing a challenge for businesses – one overlooked area is the handling and processing of data effectively . The conversation around skills usually gravitates towards data scientists , but the organisations need to have data that has been cleaned and is fit for purpose . There needs to be more focus on how we get data to the point that scientists can use it effectively .
The government ’ s new National Data Strategy outlines its ambition to establish the UK as a world-leading data economy , specifically highlighting data skills as one of the focus areas to reach this goal . But achieving this will continue to be an uphill struggle if the talent pool remains at its current level .
The data industry can play a crucial role in changing this . Here are some thoughts on some approaches to help bridge the gap .
1 . Looking at data skills through a national lens
Any discussion about digital skills often focuses on what schools and universities are doing , highlighting the need for more data-related subjects to be taught . But we need to broaden our perspective if we ’ re to tackle the shortage .
The National Data Strategy offers the opportunity to look at data skills through a national lens . This will enable government and industry to identify which skillsets are missing and where , and to be far more strategic about their development .
Collaboration between organisations and universities is key . By understanding the needs of the business , more emphasis can be placed on what vocational courses can be offered to not only give students the best chance of employment post-education , but give businesses the right skills that ’ ll allow them to achieve their strategic goals .
Identifying centres of excellence for the development of key data assets , technology or skills that can enable
Jonathan Westley , Chief Data Officer at Experian
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