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EGFSN publishes skills recommendations to support Ireland to become a leading country in Europe in data analytics

Ireland has the potential to become a leading country in Europe in data analytics services and create very highly skilled jobs for data analysts and data scientists proficient in areas such as mathematics, statistics and management science, combined with associated IT skills according to a new report published today by Forfás and the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs. The report estimates that Ireland has the potential to create between 12,750 and 21,000 job vacancies by 2020, arising through expansion and replacement demand.

There is a global shortage of the skilled professionals required to fill direct high-end jobs in this area and today’s report, Assessing The Demand For Big Data And Analytics Skills, identifies measures to build up the Big Data and analytics talent pool in Ireland over the period up to 2020 in line with enterprise demand. The report proposes actions to address gaps identified between supply and demand and assist in harnessing the considerable economic and social potential of this area into the medium term.

Welcoming the launch of the report,Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Richard Bruton TD said: “Big data is one of the Disruptive Reforms in our Action Plan for Jobs, and we have put in place a series of measures to support jobs growth in this fast-growing area. This includes the establishment of a technology centre to bring together industry and researchers to work on shared problems. However a key element of this is ensuring that we can provide companies with access to the skilled workers they need to support their growth. Today’s report delivers on part of that plan – with proper action from Government I am convinced that we can deliver the skilled workers needed and support the rapid jobs growth that is possible in this area”.

Chairperson of the EGFSN, Una Halligan said “Given the early stage of development of data analytics activity both in Ireland and internationally, a particular focus should be on improving senior executives’ understanding of the potential value of data analytics activities for enhancing business performance. This includes decisions on the talent and technology required and what structured data metrics to collect. The key to maximising the value of analytics is for firms and organisations to take an enterprise-wide approach to managing their analytical talent, including sourcing and nurturing talent; providing interesting and challenging work and deploying analytical talent effectively in line with strategic business needs”.

The full report, Assessing The Demand For Big Data And Analytics, and its recommendations, and Addressing Future Demand for High-Level ICT Skills are available here