Microsoft and the Analytics Institute have awarded DataSmart Foundation credentials to 150 individuals from 13 organizations, marking the successful completion of a pilot program focused on data literacy. The initiative, developed in partnership with Technology Ireland Digital Skillnet, aims to empower non-IT professionals with the data skills needed to make strategic contributions in their roles.
Developed by Technology Ireland Digital Skillnet in partnership with Microsoft and the Analytics Institute, DataSmart is a data literacy initiative designed for non-IT professionals who want to harness data strategically in their roles.
Industry research underscores the value of data skills, noting that employees with data proficiency often experience faster career advancement, while companies that embrace data-driven decision-making tend to achieve increased market progress and revenue. Major companies from various sectors, including Bord Gais, Pfizer, and Flutter, have already enrolled employees in the program, recognizing the competitive benefit of building organization-wide data literacy.
The 12-week DataSmart program was structured to provide participants with foundational skills in data collection, cleaning, transformation, visualization, and storytelling. It also covered contemporary topics like artificial intelligence (AI), data governance, and emerging technologies. The program combined online tutorials with interactive workshops. This approach allowed working professionals to acquire valuable data literacy in a cost-effective manner that accommodated busy schedules.
According to Maire Hunt, network director of Technology Ireland Digital Skillnet, “The DataSmart initiative has been a resounding success, helping individuals across all sectors build the confidence and skills needed to navigate today’s data-driven world. This program has proven to be an ideal solution for organizations looking to upskill large groups of employees efficiently, ensuring their workforce can interpret and apply data to make better business decisions.” Hunt added, “With its flexible, accessible learning approach and practical applications, DataSmart has opened new opportunities for both individuals and businesses, reinforcing the vital role of data skills in future-proofing Ireland’s workforce.”
Lorcan Malone, CEO of the Analytics Institute, remarked, “The completion of the DataSmart pilot program marks an important milestone in advancing data literacy at scale. The positive response from participating organizations highlights the growing recognition that data skills are essential across all roles and industries. By providing a structured yet flexible approach to learning, DataSmart has helped integrate data-driven thinking into everyday decision-making. We are excited to see how this initiative continues to support businesses in building a more confident and data-literate workforce.”
