The Data Lab are currently in the process of developing the £1.2m Data Skills for Work (DSW) programme, one of a number of initiatives being taken forward to establish the Edinburgh and South East Scotland region as the data capital of Europe.

The DSW programme aims to ensure that routes exist for all citizens across the region to acquire and develop the skills needed to participate in a data-driven economy. In particular, the programme will focus on approaches to using data science upskilling and retraining for workers who are at risk of losing their jobs through automation. The Data Lab has commissioned consultants EKOS to undertake research to help inform this.

To this end, EKOS are looking to engage with a range of employers across the region. Through this, we are looking to establish the demand for data skills, how this is being met at present, any skills gaps, and how data upskilling and/or retraining can be used to respond to the threat of jobs being replaced by technology.

We believe your organisation would be able to offer valuable insight to the research. This would involve an interview with our consultants, by phone or video call, and taking around 30 minutes.

Responses will be anonymous and the quantitative data reported in aggregate charts/tables. We will provide analysis of the sectors and size of companies who have participated, and if using any direct quotes, will attribute them anonymously.

If you are able to assist, please let the research team know who would be best placed within your organisation to participate by filling out this short form: https://wh1.snapsurveys.com/s.asp?k=159171471721 and the research team will be in touch with you directly to set up a convenient time for interview.

Kind regards,

EMPLOYER ENGAGEMENT CRITERIA

• In the region (Edinburgh, Lothians, Scottish Borders, Fife) including national or international organisations headquartered elsewhere with a significant workforce in the region;
• Moderate to large workforce of more than 50 employees in the region;
• Workforce vulnerability to automation (e.g. customer service, retail, administrative or storage occupations);
• Sector being transformed by the use of data (e.g. Financial Services);
• Size of the data opportunity for the company
• Previous investment in workforce reskilling.