What skills do you need to succeed in IoT innovation?

1 Hardware skills

IoT innovation requires a solid understanding of the hardware components and devices that make up the IoT ecosystem. You need to know how to select, configure, and integrate different types of sensors, microcontrollers, actuators, and communication modules. You also need to be familiar with the protocols, standards, and interfaces that enable data transmission and interoperability among devices. Hardware skills can help you design, prototype, and test IoT solutions that meet the functional and performance requirements of your project.

4 Design skills

IoT innovation is not only about technology, but also about user experience, problem solving, and creativity. You need to know how to apply design thinking and human-centered design principles to understand the needs, preferences, and behaviors of your target users and stakeholders. You also need to be able to ideate, prototype, and test your ideas using various tools and methods, such as sketches, wireframes, mockups, or user feedback. Design skills can help you create IoT solutions that are user-friendly, intuitive, and desirable for your project.

5 Business skills

IoT innovation is not only about creating solutions, but also about delivering value, sustainability, and growth. You need to know how to identify, evaluate, and validate the market opportunities, customer segments, and value propositions for your IoT solutions. You also need to be able to plan, execute, and manage the project lifecycle, budget, and resources using agile and lean methodologies. Business skills can help you launch, scale, and monetize IoT solutions that are viable, feasible, and profitable for your project.

6 Collaboration skills

IoT innovation is not only about individual skills, but also about teamwork, communication, and leadership. You need to know how to work effectively and efficiently with diverse and multidisciplinary teams, both internally and externally. You also need to be able to communicate clearly and persuasively with different audiences, such as technical, business, or social, using various channels and formats, such as reports, presentations, or demos. Collaboration skills can help you build, share, and learn from IoT solutions that are collaborative, inclusive, and innovative for your project.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?