CDO Matters Ep. 68 | Top Data Predictions for 2025
Jan 24, 2025
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What does 2025 hold for data professionals? Expect a resurgence in data catalogs, driven by new technologies like 'The Metagrid.' AI will play a pivotal role in managing ungoverned data, shifting the focus from product management. Excitingly, the podcast also discusses sustainability efforts in Europe compared to the U.S., highlighting the evolving responsibilities of Chief Data Officers. Tune in for a mix of humor and insightful predictions about the economic landscape alongside the emerging trends in data governance.
2025 is expected to see positive economic growth in the U.S. data sector, contrasting with ongoing challenges in Canada and Europe.
Chief Data Officers will need to adapt by operationalizing AI effectively to maintain their relevance and prevent departments from bypassing them.
Deep dives
Economic Outlook for 2025
The economic prospects for 2025 are largely positive, particularly for the United States, which is expected to see a renewed focus on spending and optimism in the data and analytics sector. After a challenging 2024, characterized by persistent interest rates and geopolitical tensions, there is a sense of expectation for recovery and growth in the U.S. market by year-end. In contrast, Canada and Europe may lag behind, with Canada's economic improvement anticipated later in the year and Europe facing ongoing uncertainties due to ongoing conflicts. Such dynamics suggest a favorable environment for vendors and consultants in the data space, especially towards the latter half of the year.
Challenges Facing Chief Data Officers
Chief Data Officers (CDOs) are likely to face ongoing challenges in 2025, as many organizations continue to struggle with integrating AI solutions into their workflows. Despite the potential benefits of generative AI, many CDOs are not effectively operationalizing these technologies, leading to a DIY approach by various departments. This disconnection risks undermining the role of CDOs, as companies increasingly bypass them for AI initiatives, thereby limiting their impact. Consequently, if CDOs fail to adapt and establish quantifiable metrics around the value they deliver, their tenure may face further challenges in the upcoming year.
Trends in Data and AI Practices
In 2025, there is a notable shift in the narrative surrounding AI within data management, as organizations are likely to transition from discussions about operationalizing AI externally to a focus on utilizing AI for internal governance and management. While there may be a decline in conversations around 'AI readiness,' a greater emphasis on leveraging AI for data governance and management tasks will emerge. Data catalogs, after experiencing waning interest initially, are expected to rebound in significance later in the year, especially with new frameworks like the Metagrid advocating their relevance. Furthermore, the integration of AI into data management solutions is projected to become more crucial, addressing the challenges posed by unstructured data.
Implications of Governance and Sustainability
AI governance will be a prominent topic in 2025, although the industry may struggle to provide actionable solutions on how to implement ethical data governance within organizations. Many discussions surrounding AI governance frameworks lack practical execution strategies, highlighting a critical gap in operationalizing these frameworks effectively. Moreover, while sustainability initiatives are anticipated to decline in the United States, they are likely to remain a priority in Europe, fueled by regulatory pressures. This divergence in focus will present both challenges and opportunities for CDOs, particularly those operating in sustainability-focused environments.
What will 2025 hold for professionals in the world of data and analytics? Join Malcolm Hawker as he shares his top predictions for the year ahead.
From data governance to AI and everything in between, Malcolm unpacks all of the most hype-worthy trends in the data world, cutting through the buzzwords and sharing insights on the topics that will likely be front-of-mind for data professionals over the coming year.