Skills shortage in the agritech sector holding back IoT innovation

New research finds that over 60% of agritech businesses need additional skilled employees to take full advantage of opportunities offered by IoT.

The potential for Internet of Things (IoT) technology to drive innovation, efficiency, and increased productivity in the agricultural sector is currently at risk, according to new research by Inmarsat.

Although the majority of agritech companies are moving towards IoT, a significant proportion lack the staff and skills needed to take advantage of the technology.

The research revealed the specific IoT skillsets that agritech companies are lacking with 55 percent of agritech companies reporting a shortage of staff skilled in cyber security. Personnel with analytical and data science skills were in high demand with 53 percent of companies reporting they require more staff in this area.

Less than 50 percent of agritech businesses reported full deployment of IoT solutions, while 65 percent of respondents identified a shortfall in their IoT skillset. Over 50 percent of respondents stated that they lacked staff.

Chris Harry-Thomas, Director of Sector Development Agriculture, Inmarsat, said, “IoT is the frontline of the Fourth Agricultural Revolution, providing a digital nerve system with a network of connected and automated devices and sensors. Farmers are leveraging these technologies to dramatically improve the efficiency and precision of their operations,”

“With the digital transformation in full swing, many traditionally mechanical-physical industries, such as agriculture, find themselves in a race to recruit digital specialists to support their IoT ambitions. Competing with the likes of Silicon Valley tech companies for skilled staff will be a challenge for the agritech industry,” he added.

Chris concluded by stating that forming strategic partnerships with third parties can help agritech companies to bridge the gaps in their IoT skill portfolios. “Agritech businesses must upskill their existing staff and attract new talent if they are to develop successful IoT solutions. . However, longer term, the focus needs to be on establishing strategic partnerships with IoT specialists…”

Edited and prepared by Amy Murphy, Journalism student from DCU.

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