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TechUK makes case for "culture of data confidence" on Big Data to influential parliamentary committee.

techUK recently called on politicians to rebalance the public data debate in order to build a culture of data confidence within organisations if the UK's leadership in Big Data is to not only be maintained but enhanced.

Speaking to the Science and Technology Select Committee, Sue Daley, Head of Big Data, Cloud and Mobile, highlighted the UK's leadership in harnessing the power of Big Data, but warned that this leadership will be put at risk if the Big Data skills gaps is not addressed. Highlighting that tech employers are crying out for more Big Data talent (62% of techUK members surveyed require more Big Data skills capabilities over the next five years), Sue called on Government to ensure get the domestic skills pipeline right for the future and commit to putting into action a "smart migration" policy so tech firms can access the Big Data talent needed right now in order to grow. When asked by MP's what makes the Big Data skills gap different, Sue Daley highlighted the work of the techUK Big Data Skills Working Group which is mapping the different number of roles involved in delivering a big data solution and therefore the different skills required at each stages of a Big Data supply chain.

When questioned by MP's on how UK organisations across all sectors can maximise the potential of Big Data, techUK explained the importance of Board level leadership and understanding of the opportunities of Big Data and the need to ensure every employee across an organisation is involved and understands the importance of data to driving economic growth and UK productivity. Sue Daley explains the importance of building a culture of data confidence to the future of Big Data in the UK:

"Big Data can be a complex issue and there are consumer concerns relating to data privacy and security that must be addressed. But there is also a need to recognise that whether at work, home or on the move big data touches and enhances every aspect of our lives. We need to find ways to rebalance the public data debate and talk more about the positive role data plays in all our lives. We need build in the UK a sense of data confidence about how the UK is taking a leadership role in Big Data and the benefits this can bring to everyone."

techUK also called for a long term vision for the future of Big Data in the UK to ensure the UK's leadership position can be maintained and developed moving forward. A key recommendation in techUK's submission to the Committee was the establishment of a UK Big Data Capability Audit to identify best practice examples of Big Data exploitation and identify key challenges to be addressed to ensure the full value of Big Data can be fully realised by UK organisations.

A link to video of the oral appearance is here