Data science and analytics: skills gaps and innovation opportunities

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The UK aims to be a leader in the digital world, but we need the data skills and knowhow to exploit machine-learning and advanced analytics that convert digital data into valuable business and social impacts.

Nesta’s ‘Skills of the Datavores’ report found that data-driven companies are more than 10 per cent more productive than ‘dataphobes,’ but also highlighted the skills shortages and recruitment issues faced by these ‘Datavores’ – companies who make heavy use of data for driving business decisions. While data has been seen by many as part of the answer to the UK’s productivity gap with other countries, it appears that barriers to accessing analytical talent are preventing businesses from fully capitalising on this abundance of data.

Alongside this skills gap, the work of academics and other public bodies like the Tech Partnership, the Royal Statistical Society (RSS), the Nuffield Foundation and the British Academy presents incredibly powerful evidence showing a strong link between data, business innovation and productivity. techUK analysis reveals the UK could create between 2.7 and 3.5 million new jobs by 2030, all requiring digital skills.

The continually changing landscape with new technologies and the speed of adoption and shifting political climate, means the UK needs to understand and adapt to compete particularly post BREXIT. Businesses, universities and governments have to work together to craft practical solutions that meet needs now and continue to develop for the future.

This session will explore some of these themes. Speakers from industry and academia will share some of the latest developments and encourage engagement on how we go forward.

Speakers:

• Dave Johnson, Deputy Director, Partnerships and Knowledge Exchange, Data Science Campus, ONS and Peter Fullerton, Director of Data Collection, ONS – ‘Bringing Silicon Valley to the public sector’

• Prof Roger Whitaker, Dean of Research Physical Sciences and Engineering, Cardiff University – 'Data Science Academy'

There will be a Q&A session with the speakers following their presentations

Networking - A light buffet, refreshments and an opportunity for networking will be provided after the session.

Booking - Attendance at this event is free, but booking is required. Places will be allocated on a first come basis.

Registration - Registration will open at 6.00 pm. The session will start promptly at 6.30pm.