INDUSTRY FOCUS
‘We’re moving towards a
Insight Centre, big data and data analytics is more than just an interesting diversion. He sees it as nothing short of a transformation technology. “We’re moving towards a situation where
every aspect of every society is going to start making decisions based on real data, rather than speculation. So when it comes to making decisions about where to send your children to school, what the Government should spend its funds on, or even what food you should eat, these will be made based on real-time large- scale data observations.” Prof Smyth suggests healthcare is a key area
situation where every aspect of every society is going to start making decisions based on real data, rather than speculation’
that is likely to benefit from data analytics. He notes how we as individuals are collating information about our fitness, diet and so on every day using our smartphones. GPs can use all this information to help get a fuller picture of our health. As with Flavin, Prof Smyth believes Government
Prof Barry Smyth, chief executive, Insight Centre for Data Analytics
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recognition of big data is hugely important and will help push matters further. “We already have a lot of the pieces in place already. For
the last 10 years, SFI has been investing in a number of centres that have all been focusing on what is now seen to be big data. Academics from these separate centres have now been brought together at Insight to provide a national ICT research platform for Ireland based on world-class targeted research programmes. Match that with the fact that we have a number of outstanding start-ups and most of the top technology firms and that’s a pretty compelling proposition,” he says. While he isn’t surprised to see the likes of EMC and
Interxion and other technology-focused firms seeking to get involved in big data, Prof Smyth is somewhat taken aback by the number of companies in other industries that are beginning to sit up and take notice. “It’s fascinating to see the organisations that you wouldn’t
necessarily expect to see taking an interest. At Insight we’re working with a wide range of non-tech organisations who are innovating around data in their particular markets. We have the expertise to help firms do more with data and are open for business to those who have a general understanding that there is something in their business that could be disrupted by big data analytics.”
BIG DATA EDUCATION COURSES IN IRELAND
The following third-level courses are helping to ensure that Ireland has the necessary skills and expertise to take advantage of the big data opportunity:
n MSc in business analytics (UCD Smurfit School) n MSc in computing (data analytics) (DCU) n MSc/diploma in data business (UCC/IMI) n MSc in data science and analytics (UCC) n MSc in computing (data analytics) (DIT)
n MSc in computing (business intelligence and data mining) (ITB)
n MEng (computer science and IT) – data analytics specialisation (NUI Galway)
n BA management science and information systems (TCD)
Issue 7 Autumn/Winter 2013 INNOVATION IRELAND REVIEW 23
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