Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet responding to skills gaps

A new MSc in IoT, addressing blockchain expertise demand and new level insights for analytics

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(Image: ICT Skillnet)

9 April 2019

New MSc in Internet of Things

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a computing concept describing the interconnectivity and collaboration of a wide variety of everyday physical objects connected via the Internet. Rapid IoT development has been driven by ongoing research and technological advances (notably in 5G mobile communications and in artificial intelligence). IoT technologies are enabling a wide range of business opportunities in the context of ‘smart’ homes, neighbourhoods and cities and in the exploitation of intelligent infrastructure and services, in areas such as transport, power and healthcare.

IoT systems involve the convergence of multiple technologies, existing and new, including sensors & actuators, low-energy communication, networking and cloud, Big Data and data analytics, machine learning, security, and application deployment & management.

There is a now a significant and growing need for greater numbers of highly qualified and competent engineers to work in the design, development, management and support of IoT systems and as such Technology Ireland Software Skillnet along with Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet are working on the development of a Level 9 MSc to meet these skills needs.

Applications now open
2 years part time
Starts September
Dublin City University

Addressing demand for blockchain expertise

Blockchain is a rapidly growing technology with the potential to disrupt traditional practices across a wide range of industries. A Gartner study estimates blockchain will add $3.1 trillion in business value by 2030. The lack of technical blockchain skills is of national and international concern as it is a significant inhibitor to adoption in companies across key industries including manufacturing, supply-chain, health, food, finance and the public sector.

With its roots in Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies, blockchain technology provides a distributed non-reputable ledger. It works on decentralised platforms and offers significant advantages for business operations in terms of transparency, elimination of third parties, cost reduction, micropayments, cryptographic security, and permanent transactions. Blockchain enhances the speed and transparency of transactions along complex supply chains while reducing costs. It optimises back and middle business processes and transactions, augmenting security, reporting and regulatory and compliance profiles.

IDA Ireland’s blockchain strategy aims to promote Ireland as a European location for blockchain developments and in 2018, the Minister for Finance published a discussion paper examining the potential of virtual currencies and blockchain technology. Working with Blockchain Ireland, the Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet has identified the skills gap for software developers with the requisite blockchain knowledge and development skills and is co-funding a new Level 9 MSc as a direct response to this need.

Applications now open
2 years part time
Starts September
Dublin City University

New levels of insights from data analytics

Data analytics is one of the fastest growing areas of IT, across a variety of organisations and industries, and remains critical for businesses as it turns information into an asset for deriving insight and making decisions. This reflects the need for companies to do business more smartly, enabled by business intelligence.

Increased user activity has resulted in significant growth in data, both structured and unstructured. The value of this data is dependent on appropriate analysis, and the subsequent application of analysis results. Consequently, data analytics has become a fundamental element for organisations that wish to compete through ever-evolving technology, productivity advancement, and innovation in research and development. Both in Ireland and globally, there is a reported shortage of data analytics talent – particularly individuals with the required ‘deep analytical’ skills. In Ireland, government policy in recent years has consistently identified data analytics as a key growth area with a medium-term goal to become a leading country in Europe for big data and analytics. Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet part fund a Level 9 MSc programme to help address this skills shortage.