IoT Vendors Hunt For Data Scientists As Skills Shortage Worsens

Vendors are struggling to find talented Internet of Things (IoT) professionals, as the lack of data scientists or those with knowledge of big data and analytics is hindering recruitment efforts.

In a study conducted by consultancy firm Canonical, 68% of vendors developing solutions in IoT said that finding and recruit employees with relevant expertise was a big challenge.

According to the same study, additional skill sets in demand today include embedded software development (33%), embedded electronics (32%), expertise in IT security (31%) and an understanding of Artificial Intelligence (AI) (30%).

“When it comes to the internet of things, the business community is still overcoming a significant skills gap,” says Mike Bell, EVP of IoT and Devices at Canonical.

Knowledge of big data and analytics was also identified as the most important skill-set for IoT professionals, with 75% deeming it a necessity for anyone claiming to be an expert in the field.

Considering the report, there is a great degree of confusion in the market, with service providers concerned by their own lack of knowledge and skills.

“Many business leaders are finding themselves running head first into a set of technology and business challenges that they do not yet fully understand,” Bell added.

Even venture capital investors are waiting for the industry to mature, with a few of them wondering how IoT can revolutionize manufacturing.

Yet the consultancy firm insists that IoT platforms would soon revolutionize business models, adding that it expects to see related technologies built into all aspects of the business environment over the next five years.