Where are the missing links in data literacy skill development?

Data has become the second language of business. With IDC predicting the global data sphere will grow from 59 zettabytes (ZB) this year to 175ZB in 2025, the ability to “speak data” has become even more vital than ever. 

The ability to communicate with data is as crucial as any skill to career and organizational success. Yet we know significant data literacy skills gaps persist, with three-quarters of business decision-makers in our survey saying they lack the data literacy skills to ask the right questions of data and machines, make decisions, or communicate meaning to others.

Part of the problem is with senior leaders’ attitudes, regardless of industry, towards data literacy. Nearly half of the business decision-makers we surveyed admitted they still prefer to make their decisions based on gut feel. Why? In large part, they lack the urgency to be lifelong learners. However, it can also come from a lack of trust in the data, and in the ability of themselves and others to use data for smart decisions.

The cracks in data literacy and education

We can’t blame the entire problem on senior leaders having a lack of appetite for change and learning. The education system is equally at fault since it isn’t prioritizing the education outcomes – the basis of adult skill sets – that lead to better data literacy. 

An often-cited report by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) found the data-interpretation and problem-solving skills of adults in the US ranked only 21 out of 23 countries participating. This issue persists even amongst the younger “digital natives” entering the workforce, with their skills tilting towards the use of technology (smartphones, social media) versus sophisticated use of data.  

And across the K-12 school system, today’s curriculums aren’t designed to encourage the specific mathematical and analytic problem-solving skill sets required for data literacy. Although applied subjects such as statistics are available, education systems within high schools tend to prioritize subjects such as calculus and algebra, instead of focusing on abstract thinking, reasoning, and data storytelling. It's these areas where fostering a lifelong learning approach that incorporates data can help fill the data literacy gaps at all levels.

The unintended data literacy benefits of COVID-19

Despite these seemingly persistent gaps, there is a bright side. The importance of data in everyday conversations related to the pandemic has made everyone aware of why we need to be smarter with data. The value of data storytelling is taking on increased importance as we all consume more charts, graphs, and statistics. Almost universal remote work and school have created a crash course in new technology for almost everyone. And the tools to consume and analyze data have never been more prevalent or user friendly.

These changes in our use and adoption of technology, many taking place light years ahead of the most optimistic predictions, show we can adapt quickly. If organizations and schools alike realign their approach to data skills, they can seize a tremendous opportunity in front of them. By leveraging an abundance of available tools and training materials, married with an openness to new approaches required by COVID-19, the time is right to introduce and foster the development of data literacy skills.

About the author:

As the Global Head of Data Literacy at Qlik, I help individuals and organizations realize their data and analytical potential by strengthening their data literacy. If you’d like to learn more about creating a data-driven culture in your organization please feel free to contact me at [email protected].