Data scientists are in greater demand than ever, according to a Bitkom study. Employees and departments beyond data analysis are also heavily affected by digitalization.
According to a Bitkom study, one in seven German companies (14 percent) with more than 100 employees employs at least one data scientist. Last year, this number was just 4 percent. In just one year, this number has increased three and a half times.
Handling data determines success
More than half of the 954 companies surveyed by the digital association also plan to increase their investments in data analysis software this year. Dr. Axel Pols, Managing Director of Bitkom Research, says:
"Success in the digital world is crucially determined by how companies handle the data generated in a wide variety of business areas. Companies that not only know but understand their customers' needs, or that can predict when a machine needs maintenance, have an immediately measurable advantage over competitors who fail to tap into this treasure trove of data."
Many other activities will also change. Almost half of all companies (49 percent) see strong or very strong impacts of digitalization on employees and jobs.
Respondents see varying degrees of impact of digitalization on different business areas. Around two-thirds report that they have observed significant impacts on marketing and sales, and 59 percent see this with regard to customer contact. In contrast, less than half of companies report that digitalization has so far influenced their business model or the products and services they offer.
