"Big data is often called the ‘new oil’ that will fuel our economy in the coming decades, and data analytics the tools needed to refine that oil and release the powerful insight held within. But, to deliver on big data’s potential, you also need refiners: people with the skills to use those tools to turn insight into decisive action. With the right tools and the right people, the value of big data will flow.

"But demand for big data refiners is already outstripping supply, and the people needed to mine big data are becoming as precious and scarce as oil itself. If companies do not take action to remedy this, they will have to work hard and spend high to find and keep people to help them compete in the information economy." (Big Data Analytics, Assessment of Demand for Labour and Skills 2013–2020, The Tech Partnership and SAS).

Unlocking Big Data - Investing in Human Capital

The growth of Big Data, its role in strengthening research and technical development, and in maximising innovation and business competitiveness, requires human capital to unlock it.

The development of an enhanced, interdisciplinary, creative, technical, analytical workforce with relevant management and executive skills, and ethical awareness, is essential to grow the region’s burgeoning assets.

Topics

This free interactive event will take place at The Met Office - the home of an internationally recognised Big Data organisation - featuring a range of industry specialist keynote speakers, covering a range of topics:

• Building the reality of a Big Data team (Alex Nicholson – Chief Information Officer, Intelligent Optimisations)
• Big Data revolution: the big picture (Charles Arthur, Technology Editor, The Guardian)
• Big Data: maximising the collaboration effect (Charles Ewen – Director of Information Technology and Chief Information Officer, The Met Office)
• The Heart of the South West Big Data: current and future (Chris Garcia – Chief Executive, The Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership)
• Investing in human data capital (Kim Nilsson - Manager Director, Pivigo)

Aim

The aim of the event is to help the Heart of the South West realise its Big Data potential by shaping the conversation and coming together to define the focus for our investment in Big Data Human Capital. It will also discuss possible funding proposals to the European Structural and Investment Fund Strategy.

Audience

The event is aimed at:

• Big Data practitioners within the region from all sectors
• Businesses/organisations/institutions throughout the region especially those in climate change, health, water & agri-tech including those who have yet to adopt Big Data plus those related to the LEP sectors- marine, advanced energy and manufacturing
• Graduate and post graduate aspiring and practicing data scientists
• Secondary, further and higher education learning and training providers.

Places are limited and restricted to one per organisation or one per department in large organisations. They will be allocated on a first come, first served basis and as demand is likely to be high, early booking is recommended.

Participation

Delegates will need to bring smart phones and / or tablets to participate in the event's activities.

Important security information

Your name, organisation and nationality will be forwarded to The Met Office one week before the event and you will need to provide photo ID on the day in order to gain admission.

Travel and parking

For more details on travel arrangements, please click here: www.metoffice.gov.uk/about-us/contact/in-exeter

Organised by the Exeter and Heart of Devon Employment and Skills Board, with support from The Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership, The Met Office and The Deer Park Country House Hotel, near Honiton.