Indian companies lead in APAC for data science capabilities adoption: Report

A majority of Asia-Pacific (APAC) companies are integrating emerging technologies in their business, with cloud adoption seeing the most traction, followed by artificial intelligence (AI) and data platforms. Adopting these technologies has helped companies increase competitiveness, productivity, and efficiency, as per the latest findings by open-source solutions provider Red Hat.

India, along with South Korea has seen high level of adoption for data science capabilities in particular. Over 70% of Indian companies have made high to very high progress in this adoption. Data science lies at the convergence of math, statistics, advanced analytics, and AI, referring to deriving useful insights from given data. 

Further, cloud adoption among APAC companies is very high even as the technology continues to evolve. Cloud integration was found to be highest in Japan, with 87% of surveyed Japanese executives confirming full adoption and 64% citing its role in helping safeguard jobs in their companies by making them competitive as the key reason for adoption.

When it comes to AI technology, however, it is yet to go mainstream. That said, some companies have made an early start. In China, 40% of business leaders said that they are in the early stages of adopting AI for maximised productivity. Lack of requisite skillsets and talent still remains a hindrance in keeping pace with the evolving landscape.

“Across the Asia-Pacific region economic headwinds are negatively impacting the profitability of most companies. In response many firms are seeking to improve productivity by prioritising investments in areas such as cloud computing, data platforms and generative AI,” said Charles Ross, principal of policy and insights, Economist Impact

“But implementation is not easy, as firms grapple with the required investment costs and digital skills–amidst increasing cybersecurity concerns. Encouragingly business leaders are reinforcing the need to be collaborative during this challenging period, recognising that the more effective path to business success is one where everyone is working towards a shared vision.” Red Hat published this report jointly with Economist Impact.