Scotland’s data role reinforced
Every aspect of our lives today is data-driven. Being technically savvy is the new norm – from downloading music to tracking our exercise and ordering the weekly shop, through to crime-prevention and medical diagnosis.
Data will be worth an estimated £20 billion to the Scottish economy by 2020. Scotland already has one of the most sophisticated data science landscapes in the world. We have a growing pool of talented data professionals feeding the growing skills demand.
Indeed, the country is home to more than 150 companies engaged in creating data-centred services across various sectors, including Skyscanner, Barrachd, Ecometrica and Merkle Aquila.
Recently, growing artificial intelligence (AI) firm Peak announced a new base in Edinburgh. This follows B2B payment decisions start-up Previse setting up a development centre in Glasgow, creating 37 data science jobs. Brainnwave, which based itself here because of the strength of support and talent available, has grown to more than 20 dedicated data scientists in just a year.
This was the context for Datafest18, the second outing for the festival, which ran last month with 45 events taking place around the country, helping to underline and strengthen Scotland’s position in this dynamic marketplace.
A core aim was to inspire and engage to encourage further growth and innovation. It delivered in spades.
Datafest showcased the significant social and economic impact that can be created through data insights. There was a key focus on the ethical application of data science and development of transparency in how algorithms process people’s data.
Data Summit, the global conference within the festival, attracted top speakers including BBC broadcaster Hannah Fry.
In recognition of data pioneers across all industries, people who see how data may hold the key to innovation in their sector, Datafest18 sought to champion these “data warriors”, supporting them whatever their core profession or industry, by providing inspiration, tools, technology and leadership skills to make a difference in Scotland and further afield.
There was also a focus on collaboration. Working across sectors is key to supporting Scotland’s data warriors. By bringing diverse industries, expertise and data together, the huge potential of data can be realised through the disruption across sectors – all areas, from personal health to smart transport, shopping to energy efficiency, business to public services and beyond.
The festival also saw more than 40 fringe events – hackathons, debates and workshops – take place across Scotland. The result was a hugely inspirational festival that engaged more than 2,500 people throughout Scotland. It gives huge confidence that Scotland has the power to realise the full potential of data. ● Gillian Docherty is CEO of The Data Lab.