The Department of Science and Technology, or DoST, encourages more institutions to explore data analytics as it aims to expand data science investments in growing micro, small and medium enterprises or MSMEs.

"We need data science to fast track our country's growth and improve the quality of life of our countrymen," Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum stressed.

The DoST said a total of P30 million were already disbursed last year for its Good Governance through Data Science and Decision Support System or GODDESS program.

The program funded 22 data analytics projects and the training of 11 students.

Data analytics is the science of generating insights from various information using computer technologies. It helps businesses detect inefficiencies and trends and automate processes.

Renato said the GODDESS projects conceptualized last year involved opportunities in agribusiness and tourism.

A 2020 survey by the World Economic Forum reveals data analysts as the most in demand role post pandemic, followed by artificial intelligence or AI and digital marketing specialists.

These are the PhilRice Data Analytics Initiative – RiceLytics of Philippine Rice Research Institute, the Development of Data Analytics System for Visualization and Exploratory Analysis of Philippine Rice Genetic Resources of Philippine Rice Research Institute — Genetic Resources Division, and the Hundred Islands National Park Management System: Implementation of Smart Tourism of Pangasinan State University.

A 2020 survey by the World Economic Forum reveals data analysts as the most in demand role post pandemic, followed by artificial intelligence or AI and digital marketing specialists.

The global institution says these jobs can create 97 million new jobs by 2025.

"Product development and data and AI are newer, constantly evolving pockets within the labor market," the World Economic Forum said.

However, unlike other computer-related jobs, online learning provider Coursera says data analytics are easier to learn by people with different work backgrounds.

"It's common for individuals moving into data and AI to lack key data science skills, but it's possible to master those skills, such as statistical programming, within a recommended time frame of 76 days of learning," Coursera said.