Source- information-age.com

We’ve all heard the dire predictions about robots coming to steal our jobs. As technologies such as machine learning, AI and automation advance by the day, workplaces everywhere are being transformed; naturally, some people fear that they will become redundant — depending on their job, some may be right.  In this age of AI and ML, ambivalence is ripe; but something ironic has emerged: when it comes to advancing these cutting-edge technologies, the lack of human skillsand knowledge is slowing innovation down.

In a new survey by Cloudera, the software firm, exploring the benefits and roadblocks of ML adoption across Europe, 51% of business leaders said that the skills shortage was holding them back from implementation. According to Cloudera, companies are eager to use ML — it’s second only to analytics as the key investment priority for businesses; ahead of other disciplines like IoT, artificial intelligence and data science.

“Although most IT buyers understand the benefits of machine learning, with 33% of respondents saying they have already seen tangible ROI from its use, many are still unsure about how to implement and how it will impact their businesses,” said Stephen Line, VP EMEA at Cloudera. “In what is still the early stages for many businesses in actually implementing ML, it’s unsurprising to learn that the skills gap and investment are key factors in preventing many companies from using it to improve efficiency and drive growth. That said, with the benefits of ML quite clear, the race is now on for businesses to overcome their barriers to deliver a better experience for their customers.”