Big data technology has radically changed our working world
Author
Prof. Friedrich Eisenbrand
Member of the Steering Committee NRP 75 “Big Data”
Interview with Friedrich Eisenbrand, Professor of Mathematics at EPFL and member of the Steering Committee, about NRP 75 and Big Data in general.
What were your expectations towards NRP 75? What would have been missing without NRP 75?
On a broad level, the NRP has encouraged top-level Swiss research into the fundamentals of big data technology as well as research on social and regulatory topics. This has achieved a lot of specific objectives. Key applications, such as in the fields of health or traffic planning, would not have been possible without the NRP.
Can you explain to us what Big Data means to you?
Big data is the science of efficient processing and drawing conclusions from extremely large quantities of data, as well as how this technology affects our society and coexistence.
Where do you expect the biggest impact of Big Data? What is nonsense?
Big data technology has radically changed our working world. New fields of work and well paid jobs have emerged, whilst other workers are no longer required. This development has gained further momentum, and the future upheaval that this means for society will most likely be similar to that experienced during the industrial revolution. Big data can be used to draw sensitive conclusions from the large quantities of data generated effortlessly every day, but this is not yet everyday knowledge. This technology has an immediate impact on our coexistence.
It is clear that societal innovation will be required. Big data is a key technology for ensuring that an efficient economy such as that in Switzerland remains competitive. The price for this is something that must be negotiated in lively and, above all, informed fashion within society.
How do you assess Switzerland’s position in terms of big data research and applications? NRP 75’s position?
The Swiss academic world has an exceptional position in big data research as regards innovation and international visibility. The NRP has played a vital role in this by promoting top-level research. Our researchers in regulatory and legal fields have confirmed that there has been a growing number of enquiries from the business world regarding big data. The NRP has helped to ensure that we are prepared. In addition, the general public’s knowledge of the fundamentals of big data is also progressing on many levels. The NRP again plays a key role, for example in the development of teaching materials.