Globalization of Data Science Teams: Introduction to Hiflylabs

Building analytics and modeling teams represents a significant strategic, HR and operational challenge for many technology companies and businesses. The past decade has seen the proliferation and maturation of global locational options for building teams of data professionals involved in the development and delivery of advanced analytics.

In evaluating alternative locations, the primary focus has been on the salary/compensation differentials between countries. While salaries are important, other factors to consider include employee productivity, satisfaction and turnover as well as skill competencies and the broader data science ecosystem supporting the global partner. The purpose of this post is to introduce Hungary-based Hiflylabs in the context of these global alternatives.

When enterprise IT vendors and businesses select a global partner, Indian-based companies are perennial front-runners. They have earned their leadership position. Indian outsourcing companies have evolved from low-cost 'body shops' to innovators both in modeling algorithms as well as methodologies around project management, and model governance and delivery. However, due to time zone differences and cross cultural communication challenges, Indian companies are not the best choice for every company or project.

Other major regions have their own strengths and challenges. China is renowned for its economic vitality, huge home market, outstanding universities and thriving data science ecosystem. However, many companies, particularly software vendors, are reluctant to place teams there due to IP security concerns.

Ukraine and Russia are both known for their large supply of talented and dedicated analysts and data scientists, as well as cost advantages. However, in the data science area (as opposed to 'regular' programming), companies based there are often utilized in narrowly scoped project areas. Also, setting up teams in Ukraine carries some geo-political risk.

Based in Hungary, Hiflylabs represents an attractive alternative for businesses that are seeking a high touch partner with broad capabilities and lower costs. Ninety percent of Hiflylabs projects are with large enterprises. Many offshoring teams in other geographies have limited enterprise experience and struggle to operate effectively in that kind of an environment.

In their home market Hiflylabs is an established and highly respected leader in all aspects of data science from consulting and thought leadership to full-cycle data analytics project delivery. Hiflylabs has twenty years experience delivering enterprise-grade data analytics, data management and dashboard projects for companies at all stages of the data science adoption cycle.

Hiflylabs takes a team approach with a strong company culture and low staff turnover. They are also strongly entrepreneurial. Entrepreneurship has deep roots in Hungary. Even in the Cold War period, their 'socialist entrepreneurs' and 'capitalists without capitalism' created unique islands of prosperity in Central and Eastern Europe.

Hungary has outstanding universities and a tradition of mathematical invention and innovation. (Think Andy Grove and the inventor of the Rubik's cube). With a population of only ten million Hungary has made an outsized contribution to innovation. Hiflylabs is a successful and highly respected company ready to play a larger role on the global stage.