PIDS Updates: February 2020

Amid the Fourth Industrial Revolution (FIRe), there has been an increasing demand for data science and analytics (DSA) workforce in the Philippines. Sadly, DSA skills remain underdeveloped among the Philippine workforce. This Policy Note provides evidence on the current DSA skills gaps in the Philippines in light of the country's preparation for FIRe. Among others, it finds a scarcity of DSA competencies in the current workforce and a misalignment between the demand and supply of DSA workforce in the country. To address these issues, the study urges the government to adopt a framework to define the practice of DSA in the country. It also recommends the promotion of government-industry-academe linkages. These three actors can work together in establishing standards for degree programs in DSA or updating DSA-related degree programs. Government agencies can also make use of the industry's DSA job requirements in consolidating their efforts to effectively manage the supply and demand for these talents. Click here to download the policy note.