A European survey of 300 senior executives has found that 42% of businesses are actively recruiting or planning to recruit data scientists, analysts and other specialists to help get the best out of their big data.
From across the UK, France and Germany, 62% of firms agreed that there is a skills shortage in the area of data science and big data analytics, rising to 65% in France. Only 12% in total are confident that no skills shortage exists.
According to the research, commissioned by analytics systems supplier Teradata, companies are increasingly looking for a blend of skills to successfully implement big data analytics initiatives, and are not just relying on IT experience.
For instance, 37% anticipate that potential big data job applications will come from existing employees with business skills, such as business intelligence or business analytics expertise, compared with 46% who expect recruits to have an IT background.
And a majority (51%) of new recruits working on big data analytics projects will report to departments other than IT, rising to 63% in the UK. In almost one quarter (23%) of companies, the new team will report directly to the board. But the majority (58%) are struggling to find candidates with the right mix of skills. Although technical experience remains of greatest importance, other essential attributes include problem-solving skills (cited by 43%, rising to 55% in Germany), analytical skills (42%) and creativity (35%).
The research found that a total of 44% of organisations have a big data analytics strategy or roadmap in place, and almost half (47%) are already running big data analytics projects or have plans to do so within two years.
"Not so long ago many companies saw big data analytics mainly as an IT project meeting IT goals," said Duncan Ross, director for data sciences at Teradata International.
"This survey confirms a growing understanding that harnessing big data analytics effectively can bring company-wide benefits. However, to deliver on these new analytics opportunities companies need to identify and recruit the right staff."
The research also showed there was an emphasis on experience rather than intellect when recruiting data scientists, with only 24% looking for degree level qualifications.
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