Bridging the IoT Talent Gap in Manufacturing

I recently joined a panel discussion titled Solving the IoT Talent Puzzle at the 2017 Internet of Manufacturing Business Conference, representing Cisco and the Internet of Things (IoT) Talent Consortium. Together with leaders from Rockwell Automation, MIT, and the State of Illinois, we examined current IoT trends and the evolving skill sets required to stay competitive.

Key takeaways from the conversation include:

1. Manufacturing Leads IoT Adoption: The U.S. manufacturing sector is rapidly integrating digital technologies. IDC reports that 43% of manufacturers are already undergoing digital transformation, and 41% identified new opportunities in 2016. IDC projects that by 2019, 75% of these firms will deploy IoT and analytics solutions, and by 2020, 60% of plant workers will collaborate with automated assistance.
2. Talent Shortage Persists: As IoT continues to expand, a significant skills gap hinders progress. LinkedIn estimates about 67,000 control engineers in the marketplace, representing roughly 60% of the global workforce, which suggests a total of around 112,000 professionals worldwide. Cisco forecasts that 220,000 new engineers will be required annually for the next decade to sustain IoT growth—an enormous demand that underscores the need for continual upskilling.
3. The IoT Talent Consortium’s Solution: This industry‑wide initiative focuses on cultivating the next generation of IoT talent. As a founding member, Cisco recognizes the necessity for interdisciplinary expertise in security, infrastructure, cognitive computing, leadership, big data, mobility, and software. Through collaborative training programs, the consortium aims to equip individuals with these critical skills.

These insights resonated strongly with manufacturing leaders who are increasingly prioritizing internal reskilling and seeking reputable training partners to develop talent from within. They also face challenges in objectively sourcing candidates with the precise skill sets and are eager to understand which certifications hold the most value.

To discover how the IoT Talent Consortium and Cisco are addressing these industry concerns, visit the IoT Talent Consortium website and the Cisco Learning Network.